Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 120

Loving the Indie Life...Meet Some of my Indie Friends

It's that time of the month again! You know it, nothing is sacred on the blog. You guessed it, it's the "Indie Life" monthly post. What were you thinking? Oh, you silly, silly, reader. There are some things you don't put on the blog. TeeHee

Anyway, let's celebrate the life of the Indie author. Some of you might be asking, "What is the Indie Life?" This is a great question so I'll start here. An "indie author" is one that opts to take control of their writing and publishing by self-publishing. This is a risky, time consuming, and more involved process than most understand YET it is also very rewarding and worth every second of effort.

I spent a couple years developing and revising my book proposal. I submitted to multiple publishers and a couple agencies for representation. I learned a lot about myself, my book, and the writing for publication process as I worked through this necessary step to have a book published in the traditional manner.

There is a part of me who still dreams of having a big publishing house offer me a contract and then the bigger dream, to hear from Hollywood to transform Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey into a movie to raise awareness for the siblings left behind after their brother or sister disappears. I'm still a little girl at heart with big dreams but the grown-up and realist recognizes some things just happen in the movies. I'm glad I decided to self-publish. This allowed me to release Where's Heidi? on the nineteenth anniversary of my sister's kidnapping. Heidi remains missing today yet our hope is constant. Another reason I chose the
Indie life was to maintain control of my scheduling. As an Indie author I have the freedom to do book signings when and where my schedule allows instead
of following the publisher's timeline. This allows me to continue my weekdays as teacher's assistant, with my evenings and weekends as author and speaker. 

The Indie Life isn't designed for wimps or those unwilling to sacrifice a little to reach a goal. If you have a story to tell but desire to maintain control of your schedule, release date, or marketing then take a deep break, pray, and start the path to making your name and platform known to others as the newest Indie author. I have two books out,  both available on Amazon.com (direct link on book cover). Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and When the Waves Subside ~ There is Hope are available as a print book or on Kindle.

Thanks for visiting today - come again! Something new each day... Do you aspire to be an indie author? What's stopping you?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday - Missing My Sister...Embracing My Sista's

No it isn't Friday!! Okay, some of you are wondering if I've fell off my rocker but I haven't. I'm just relishing the thought of my parents and a few friends cracking up as they read the first couple lines. A few times in the past month I've missed Tuesday. Yes, a day of the week is skipped over like the third chorus of a song.

Sometimes I post later in the week, call it "T.O.P.'s Tuesday" and believe it's Tuesday only to realize it's Wednesday. BUT since the blog is already posted, I let it ride. A couple times I posted a T.O.P.'s Tuesday on Wednesday, with an apology because it was late, but at least it was posted.

An ongoing joke that creates rolling laughter at the kitchen table is the statement, "I'm waiting for you to post T.O.P.'s Tuesday on Friday." and they just laugh. I think the hysteria is because they are half expecting me to do it on accident and the other half, because with my current schedule, they are just counting down the days until I miss the boat completely. Don't think ill of my family and friends, we enjoy a good laugh and my repeated 'missing of Tuesday" has become something to bring much joy. T.O.P.'s Tuesday was birthed last summer as a weekly check-in for upcoming book news. Recently I've used it to share upcoming book signings, speaking engagements, and television and radio appearances. My hope is to have more television and radio appearances in the future. I'm working on a "Share Where's Heidi? and hope ~ LIVE"

I have a few book ideas running through my head, with two of them in outline form and another transitioning from idea to document. I love meeting people at book signings and sharing a hope, inspiration, and encouragement with others.

The school year winds down in a couple weeks and my full time author, speaker, and writer hats return. We have a couple family escapes planned, Mags is auditioning for the local theater, and our nephew gets married in September. Summer is going to be relaxing yet fun. Busy yet relaxing. A vicious circle of living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment with the those I love the most.  What do you treat like a third chorus of a song? Will you share?

It's More Than Rain Falling From the Sky

I spent the weekend with a few of America's Baptist Women and I'll never be the same. Just kidding, well, partially. There hasn't been a time I've gone away for a women's retreat that I've returned home unchallenged. This weekend was no different. God spoke to me with such love and clarity while at Delta Lake. I shared with the women how much I love time spent at the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, the main reason being...I always hear God speak to me in black and white.

I know God is speaks to me when I'm home and everywhere I go, so why is Delta Lake any different? Do you have a guess to the reason? It might be different for each of us but I know the reason I personally am more connected. Plain and simple ~ I slow down, listen, listen some more, respond, and listen again. The ride home almost always involves tears ~ of reflection and humble realization (again) of how much God loves me. There is something special about this place, God's presence encompasses you.

About half way home though the tears transition into laughter, and yes this happens when I'm flying solo too. The laughter then moves into a silent, thought provoking, and purposeful mission. The task...to determine how I can apply and put into action all I heard God tell me. The first of which regarded another book. Yesterday afternoon I wrote the introduction for Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey's sequel. Saturday morning we gathered in the main lodge for a time of devotion. The woman leading the devotional offered a new perspective as it pertains to the rain. This is my summary of her beautiful devotion. Instead of viewing the rain as a hindrance, we should think of it as a shower from heaven.

The Bible refers to Jesus as the Living Water, so why not look at the rain showers as a reminder of how much God loves us. He showers His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, provision, and strength daily - sometimes we just feel the moisture.

So let the rains and storms of life come because this girl plans to dance in the rain. Will you dance in the rain or hide under the umbrella?

"Oh the Places I'll Go" is more than a Dr. Seuss Book

Hello my wonderful friends, family, and followers in the blogosphere! You might think I abandoned you yesterday but know you weren't forgotten, just on hold until today. As the school year winds down in Central New York, it seems my list and the things to be done grows. Lists I look forward to tackling, enjoying, and sharing in the weeks ahead. Summer vacation from school is a mere eight weeks, if that. Once you figure in summer trainings and planning days, it is less.

This year I incorporate book signings, speaking engagements, and prayerfully two writers' conferences. A busy, productive and fun summer ahead. BUT for the next couple weeks, busyness and a lot of change. Change is always a challenge yet I've learned God uses change (especially ones that break our hearts) to grow, strengthen, and mold us into the independent men and women of God He designed us to be, leaning on Him versus the friends, family, and security of jobs and careers we settle our security with. We were not created or designed to settle for anything. God has big and amazing things in store for each of us when we keep our eyes fixed on Him and seek His direction and path in life.

I spent the past two days with the American Baptist Women as their keynote speaker for their annual June conference. It was held at my favorite escape and get-away ~ the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center.

Their theme this year was "Designed to Serve" and they blessed me with the opportunity to speak on being "Designed to Inspire" and "Designed to Encourage" as fuel for their, no our, serving God. I opened our time together with a confession, "I'm not a Baptist Woman." This brought laughter, smiles, and hearts ready to hear the message God gave me to share with them. My premise for this weekend's message, "God placed the First Domino" ~ Jesus Christ. We had fun exploring some Scriptures to emphasize God first inspired and encouraged and we are called to share this same encouragement and inspiration with the people we meet in our life. A neon backdrop highlighted the cross we "played" on over the course of the weekend. Can you guess the game we played? Of course, we played Dominoes. Jesus was the first domino and God initiated the game. The Bible contains verse after verse to help us play this game we call life.

I can't speak for the women in attendance but I know I left inspired, encouraged, and ready to serve God in the capacity He is calling me to. I think the greatest inspiration motivating me on my return home is to start transitioning the notes, drafts, and Bible verses for the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey (now available on Kindle) to an editor-ready manuscript.

I drafted the introduction this morning and other ideas are flooding my brain on ways to mold things together. I went to grab my "Sequel" bin off the shelf but couldn't reach it because there is an old mattress and box spring blocking it. I thought about interrupting Ed's day of rest to move these heavy items out of my way but then decided to take this as a sign to wait.

Do you remember I said there is a lot of change before me? Well, instead wasting time moving things out of my way, I plan to cross items off the list that have time constraints. Two weeks ago our church received bittersweet news. Our pastor and his family are moving to pastor the Amherst Alliance Church near Rochester, New York. This is great news for Amherst but devastating news to our small church. On June twenty-third, our pastor preaches his last message in New Haven, New York and within a couple days will pack the last item and leave to start their new journey.

Not only are we losing our pastor, we say "see you later" to dear friends. The beauty of living and worshipping in a small town is we are all part of one family. Change isn't easy, especially when you say good-bye to those you love. The good news is we have an excuse to take a road trip, and a place to stop for lunch while we're there. I don't know when a new pastor will start at our church or even the process but I know he, and his family, will b welcomed with open arms and hearts for the messages God's given him to share with us.

It's never easy to say good-bye yet with the opportunity to travel and to make new friends on the horizon, life is good. Another change in the near future is my building assignment for school. For a decade I've worked at the New Haven Elementary school, with a couple years split between two buildings but my main stay always New Haven. This coming September I'll work with new people, in a new building, and have the opportunity to listen to audio books while driving. I'm going to miss my New Haven family but know they are only a phone call, email, and a stop away if I need them.

Another change is my attitude towards life. The preparation for this weekend's message, "Designed to Serve, Inspire, and Encourage" reminded me of WHO I am and WHAT I'm gifted and designed to do. One of the breakout speakers talked about how sometimes we have a time of pruning in order to grow. I think this past year school year and these summer months are meant to prune me. God reminded me I don't NEED people, I NEED HIM.

The song during this morning's worship cemented this message in my heart and mind. I pray you are blessed by it to. A side note to the women I met this weekend at the retreat, if you have pictures you would like to share, please "tag me" if you post them on Facebook or feel free to email them to me too at lbuskewriter@aol.com. I never thought to ask someone to capture a few pictures with my camera for me. Thank you! Looking forward to the journey ahead...change is a challenge to build and establish our character! Time to enjoy the ride...

Prayer + Preparation = A Peaceful Start

Earlier in the year I had the privilege to be the guest at Meridian Baptist to share a message with them on a Sunday morning. We played with play-doh in church and learned how we are nothing but a bunch of cracked pots and God is the glue that holds us together. I never expected my speaking that morning would lead to an opportunity like I will experience this weekend. Some of the Meridian women help to plan their district women's retreat and guess who they recommended to be this year's speaker? You guessed it, little ol' me.

With months of prayer and preparation, the car packed, and a heart ready to serve and share with these beautiful Baptist women ~ I continue to pray for hearts to be open and God's message to flow from my tongue. I'm so excited. This is my first time sharing a multi-part message for a weekend retreat, I chose a fun theme and look forward to seeing where the rectangular prisms fall. I have a 1 1/2 inch think pack of paper with Scriptures I've read for this weekend. So many I want to share yet I only have an hour.

A little after Midnight I came up with an idea of how I could share more of these Scriptures with those in attendance but I couldn't keep my eyes open a minute longer. My prayer for today is to put this together on this morning and on my lunch break today so it's ready to go for this afternoon. With garbage bags and grocery bags protecting my books, bags, and displays I loaded the car. With a joyful heart I look forward to sharing. Prayers for safe travels and His message to be shared are always appreciated. Have a great weekend everyone! How will you spend your weekend? Working or relaxing?

God's Timing is Perfect

Yesterday I walked across the road to check the mail and as I opened the door my eyes spotted a beautifully wrapped pink package with silver curly ribbon. I must say pink has become a favorite color of mine and reminds me of my sister and the rose on the cover of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. A smile stretched across my face and I couldn't wait to get home to see what was hidden within the wrappings.

There was not card or note that I saw but when I put it on top of the mail I noticed the handwritten note on the wrapping paper itself. This little trinket was from my cousin. Since she was home and out in her driveway I walked over to giver her a hug and say thank you. She meant to give it to me on April third at the book release but forgot to bring it with her. Guess what? I'm so glad she waited. Last weekend I attended the Wings of Grace June event. The speaker talked about a devotional book she read daily. A book she found brought her encouragement, strength, and powerful reminders. She brought this book with her. The pages were all torn and it was held together with a hair tie. We all chuckled when she showed us, because I think we all have a book held together by a rubber band or duct tape, don't we? She did bring her first Bible with brilliant duct tape holding it together. I loved it. I use duct tape all the time and now it has cool colors and designs but I'm getting off topic, so back we go.

I wrote down the name of the book she held up after listening to her story about how this little devotional helped her, and because of its size, it fits in your purse or bag for easy transporting. Guess what the name of this book is? You're right, Jesus Calling. And guess what book my cousin gifted me yesterday, yep, Jesus Calling.

Thank you Jesus and Missy! I've crossed Jesus Calling off my "Books I'd like to Get" list. How has God blessed you by providing
for a "Someday I'll..." moment
before you even had the chance
to figure out how to make it happen?

Who did He use to bring the blessing?

What Happened to "Service with a Smile"?

I'm posting later than normal today. I wasn't sure what I would blog about because my mind is racing in preparation for this weekend's presentation. Thank you to those praying for this, God is hearing your prayers and we appreciate you so much. I had a general direction yet didn't have that "Lisa flare" yet. Last night, minutes before going to bed "early", it came to me. So much for bed.

An hour or two later I sat on the couch to watch the news, since I was still awake. Instead of watching the news though, I saw the back of my eyelids and don't even remember the first commercial after the "Eleven at 11". Guess I was tired. I didn't sleep long though because God blessed me with the transition I prayed for and clarity for the presentation. I jumped, and I mean jumped up, the rottie even startled, and raced to the front room to grab my notepad and a marker.

I wrote three pages of notes with the idea, placed it with the other things I printed and started before stopping, and then went back to sleep. So exciting. I'll share a snip-it later in the weekend or next week but don't want to give away all the fun until after I've shared with the beautiful Baptist women who invited me to speak. Since I'm not revealing my presentation, let me tell you about my short trip to Oswego tonight. With this cool twist to the presentation thought out, drafts drawn, and copies printed - I head into Oswego to pick up an item to give the women as a token to remember our time together and also to visit the local office supply store for an enlargement of a poster I designed to go along with the presentation.

We arrived with my parent's grocery list, a mini-grocery list for our house, and my presentation supply list in hand. Our goal was simple, return a couples and then find the items on our list. Happily, our task was accomplished and we looked forward to heading over for the enlargement BUT before we could get there, the service turned my smile to a cranky and disappointed face.

First the cashier's jerky driving of the conveyer belt knocked the new bike helmet I for Mary off, on to the floor with a bounce, and a slide. I turned ready to smile and say "Don't worry about it." but the cashier didn't apologize, she just glanced at me because I hadn't picked it up. Okay, we all have bad days and maybe she didn't realize it fell. It's our turn to cash out now and I look up say, "Hi, busy tonight?" Guess what, no response, not even a smile.

Okay, first the helmet and now not even a welcome. She scanned the cubes of soda for my parents, looked at me and said, "You can put those in your cart now." I just stood there and looked at her. She crossed her arms and waited. I didn't know what to say, all that came out was, "I thought this was your job." Please don't misunderstand, I don't expect anyone to put my groceries directly in my cart, but usually they slide them to the other side so they can continue scanning the groceries. Not tonight, she crossed her arms and waited for me to get them out of her way. My head was shaking so much I probably looked like I had a neck spasm.

We had two orders and I placed the divider bar between. She scanned the one item for my next order and then looked at me, "I said, have a good night." I just stared at her and before  could speak Mary saved the day, "Oh, that's ours too. We put the bar there so they would be separate." The cashier looked at Mary, back to this dazed and confused Me, and then said, "Oh, your total is..." With my receipts and change I thanked her and told her to have a good night but she was already sharing her lack of charm with the next customer. Mary and I kind of chuckled as we walked towards the door. I said, "We better pray for her, she is one unhappy woman." Mary just nodded. Once through the first set of doors we paused because one of the workers was coming in with three of the toddler seat-carts. I was impressed. I said, "Wow, I could barely push one and make a corner in the aisles when you were little and he can bring three in at once." We laughed.

I wanted to let the kid know he impressed me so I said, "I didn't realize they turn on a dime, nice job." No response, not even a nod of recognition. I could feel the neck spasm return and then I noticed it. He was wearing ear buds and listening to his favorite music so he didn't even hear me. I'm not sure which offended me more that the workers are allowed to wear ear buds while working or the lack of customer service for the store as a whole.

We loaded the groceries into the car and headed to the office supply store. The last I knew, they closed at 8 p.m. Well...you guessed it, they close earlier, 7 p.m. to be exact. We arrived at the door at 6:58 p.m. One of the workers was standing outside having a cigarette as I walked up and saw the sign on the door. I asked, "Are you closed?" She said "Not yet but if you have something quick, you can run in." Of course they had brought all the sidewalk displays in so there was a mere path through the entrance. I said "Well I guess we're not going in, I have a copying job and enlargement." She didn't respond but instead, took another puff of her smoke. Grr....

I remember a time when a place close and then cleaned up and shut things down for the night. The complete opposite in today's world. Now they start sweeping, cleaning, packing up, and logging out thirty minutes to an hour ahead so that when the store is closed, the only thing left to do is lock the door and leave. It's a different world.

As I shared my vent with Ed while putting away groceries I had a realization, "Have I just gotten old?" We both laughed. There is truth to this statement yet I don't think this is all the issue is. Times have changed. Stores are open on Sunday, open twenty-four hours a day, and even have fast food dinner options at the check out area.

One of my favorite aspects of shopping when we were little was the interaction with the people. The cashiers always seemed to ask questions to my Mom that were evidence they "knew" and "cared" about my

Mom. I'm a realist and don't expect a super store or large office supply to know or have the time to inquire of life but some human interaction and decency would be nice. Right? Am I wrong here?

On the flip side, I've been to both these stores in the past and had nothing but wonderful service too. I always try to talk to the staff whether they are stocking the shelf, cashing me out, or gathering carts because we're all human and doing what we need to do in order to provide for our families.

I apologized to Mary for responding with crankiness in the car and asked her forgiveness. She chuckled and said, "You don't usually let people get to you. And those were the first people that didn't end up smiling by the time you left their register. Very strange." Then we laughed again. I said, "I'm so blogging this." More laughter. What is one way you try to spread joy while shopping?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday ~ "It's Hammer Time"

Last week during one of our breaks at work our memories went back to the eighties. Oh, the 80's. Much Fun! Although I was older than the others in the room, by about ten years, we all remembered M.C. Hammer and having our "hammer pants" and the dance. Before you knew it, four grown women were dancing like M.C. Hammer. As if this wasn't silly enough, the Vanilla Ice slide came into play since he was a "Hammer Wanna-be" with his pants. Oh my gosh, my cheeks hurt and so did some of the muscles in my butt from dancing like I did in high school. With the dancing out the way and a few days later I remembered this picture of Heidi and I in our very hammer pants. I had a few pairs. Ones with the flap thing across the front and ones without. Both were very cool, trust me.

Anyway, the point of this T.O.P.'s Tuesday is to remember our pasts. I understand not everyone has wonderful and joyful memories to recollect BUT I am positive there is something good and beautiful in your life to remember. Some will need to think harder than others but we all have at least one. What is yours?

Yesterday I released Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey as a Kindle download!! It was an exciting day. When the Waves Subside: There is Hope is also available on Kindle. Have you downloaded your copy today? Print copies are available on Amazon or at the River's End Bookstore in Oswego, New York.

Book Signings/Speaking Engagements:
June 7 - 8: Speaking at a women's retreat
June 19th: Speaking and book signing at the CNY Art Center in Fulton, New York
July 3 - 5th: Presenting and attending the Christian Writer's Gathering at Delta Lake Bible Conference in Rome, New York
July 17th: Sharing and signing with a Women's Bible Study who used "Where's Heidi?" for their book club/Bible Study

Are you looking for a summer speaker or are you interested in hosting a book signing? Contact me today! You can use the link on my site, email me at lbuskewriter@aol.com, or message me through Facebook. Have a great day and get up and dance! It's not Hammertime now, It's summer time...Road trip anyone?

Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey NOW ON KINDLE!!

Sorry for teasing you but want to make sure the blog stays fun. You have been asking for the Kindle version of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and today it's available, surprise!

The original plan was to release the Kindle version on September 14, 2013, Heidi's birthday but as with many things in life, this changed. Many have asked "When will it be out on Kindle?" Some are asking "When will it be available for my Nook?" At this time both books are only available on Kindle. In six months we will be able to make them available on other e-reader formats. Click on the covers below for a direct link to the KINDLE version Where's Heidi?
NOW on Kindle
$9.99 FREE When the Waves Subside 
Kindle Download
June 1st - 3rd (This weekend only)
to celebrate Where's Heidi?'s
Kindle release! For the Traditional Print Book ~ click on the cover below this. If you have already read Where's Heidi? or When the Waves Subside, would you leave a comment below for potential readers? Is there a part that touched your heart in a surprising way? If you could sum up your recommendation in a few sentences or less to someone debating to download or wait, what would you say? Thank you so much for taking a moment to share the hope, healing, or insight you found within the pages of one or both of these books.

Heidi is never forgotten & one day we will meet again...

Thank you everyone!! May you find hope within the pages of Where's Heidi? & When the Waves Subside If you've read either of my books,
consider writing a brief review on Amazon!
Thank you in advance.

"What If You Were Real?"...I dare you to answer

What Mask Do You Need to Remove Today?