Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 124

HELP! Seeking YOUR Help today

Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released almost a month ago, can you believe it? The response has been wonderful and as people finish reading I am asked, "What's next?"  or "Do you have another book in mind?" The answer to these questions makes me smile.  Today, I will answer both here on the blog. 

"What's next?" ~ I have two books going through my brain at the moment. One is a sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and the other is something completely different. I have notes and ideas for both jotted down and continue to pray for God's direction and leading as to which way to proceed. 

There are a few other book ideas I hope to explore but it will be summer before they become more than thoughts in the back of my mind. Until then, I have started working on a book with a potential release date later this year. Oops, this wasn't supposed to leak out. Teehee, anyway, if you could answer the question below, this will help to better meet my reader's needs as I continue to blog daily.

Thanks for following the blog, reading and sharing Where's Heidi?, and all your prayers and support since Heidi's kidnapping in 1994. A little Blog research... What are your favorite types of blogs to read? * About Daily Living About Heidi & Family Memories Biblical Truths As they Apply Today Other If Other please specify: * Submit

It's More Than Writing and Speaking...It's a Business!

An aspect of this journey I didn't realize nearly three years ago is once you are a published author and paid speaker, you are now a business. Yikes!

Earlier this year as we sat with our accountant I asked, "Is there anything else I should be tracking, counting, or doing?" 

A special thanks to Mary Buske for creating a couple "business" designs for "One Sister's Journey"

His answer turned my face a bright red as he explained since my dream is a reality now - I must function as a business. My response, "I just want to write and speak." He smiled and assured me I could do this. I noted the things our accountant suggested I track, and made a "to-do-list" to start once my head stopped spinning around.

Ed and I talked on the way home. The first order of business, no pun intended, was to develop a company name. Some people use their name but our accountant suggested I come up with a name and then file my DBA. You might think this would be easy but it was the farthest thing from easy. I spent time on Google with possible names to see what came up when I searched each name. 

A business' name, just like a person's, should encompass the whole being. I write to share hope with others yet how could I choose a name with "hope" that hadn't been used before. We brainstormed lists using "Heidi", but decided this could limit future writings. So how do I develop a name for my business that emphasizes why I write, who I write for, and the central theme of who I am as a writer and speaker?

I couldn't put off filing my DBA anymore so with a few business names rattling through my brain I stopped at the County Clerk's Office. I waited in line asking God to show me the name to use. The finalists each passed the "Google" test, so now I just needed to pick one. The clerk called me to the window and asked, "What's your business name?" and without thinking, "One Sister's Journey" came to my lips. 

My hope is to write, publish, and speak more. My sister's kidnapping will always be a part of who I am, and most likely, play a vital role in the writing and presentations I share. This is my journey as wife, mother, daughter, sister, author, and speaker. I don't know what tomorrow will bring but I do know WHO brings tomorrow ~ Heidi's kidnapping and presumed death was the catalyst to push me from private journaler to published author and professional speaker. In God's strength I share. This is my journey...One Sister's Journey. Thankful to share this journey will all of you...
Have you ever learned there was more to something than you planned, after it was too late to change your mind?
Are you glad you didn't know because it might have prevented you from becoming who you are today?

Short and Sweet...

The past three weeks, since the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey have been VERY busy. I've enjoyed each moment. I've reconnected with friends of the past, met Facebook friends and some of you that follow the blog, and enjoyed sharing at various speaking events. 

Yesterday I spent the day in Rome at a vendor's fair. I almost didn't go because I wasn't feeling well but how could I not show up. I am a girl of my word so I went. I'm glad I did. Sold a few books and saw a couple friends I don't usually see. 

I packed up and was on the road a half hour early because I started to not feel so good. With books, table, chair, and personal belongings loaded I started the hour plus drive home after calling to let my family know I was in route. About twenty minutes from home I started to feel worse and contemplated pulling over but decided to forge ahead, praying the entire way. I arrived home safely. 

I carried in my bags and collapsed into a chair. After spending a few minutes looking at pictures with Mags and hearing about her day I assumed the position under the electric blanket. Ed arrived shortly thereafter and moved me to the bedroom, gave me more allergy medicine and Advil and this is where I remained until about 6 p.m. tonight. I'm awake, moving, and feeling a little better. 

Ever since I was a  teenager I am known for pushing myself, and pushing hard to meet deadlines and accomplish goals I've set. I knew prior to the April third release, the weeks following would be taxing, yet worth it. I'm thankful God got me home safely yesterday. I am sitting up this Sunday evening, so this is progress. 

Tomorrow starts a new week, with only one book signing scheduled on Saturday, May 4th at the Pulaski Kinney's from Noon until 2 p.m. This will be a week of rest and recouping. Thank you all for your support, prayers, and encouragement!

If you haven't ordered your copy of Where's Heidi? or When the Waves Subside yet - click on the photo below for a direct link. Thank you again! May God be glorified. What does it take for you to realize it's time to rest?

Never Knew There Was A Song...

A tidbit I shared last night at the Oswego Public Library was when I learned The Byrds had written a song, "Turn, Turn, Turn" based on the words of Ecclesiastes three. 

Why is this important you might ask? If you've read Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey already then you probably understand the significance but others may not. Instead of naming my chapters, I used verses from Ecclesiastes three. It wasn't until December 2010 as I prayed and planned for my first speaking event at Believers Chapel North in Mexico, New York that I was educated on this song.

A song, mind you, I've listened to since I was younger and knew the words too. Go figure? Or should I say, go God!? As Beth and Chrissy shared possible song choices and the reason behind each, I smiled. I never knew. God is so cool, don't you think.

Now each time I hear this song I remember planning for my first speaking event on this Where's Heidi? journey with Beth and Chrissy, and the impact God's Word can have on and in our lives. I'm thankful to say the least.

If you are in the Rome, New York, area today - I will be at the Rome Mom's Spring Craft Show at the Delta United Methodist Church on Turin Road, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. I hope to see you there. Have a great Saturday everyone!

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens: 
I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 
He has made everything beautiful in its time. 
He has also set eternity in the human heart; 
yet no one can fathom what God has done 
from beginning to end. 
I know that there is nothing better 
for people than to be happy 
and to do good while they live."
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 10-12

Have you listened to a song before, not knowing the true meaning behind it? Then, once you learned the significance, it had a different meaning each time you heard it after that?

A Lovely Evening at the Library

Last night I enjoyed time at the Oswego Public Library. We started promptly at 6:12 p.m. I arrived a few minutes early to set. With Dunkin Donuts coffee in one hand, a couple bags over my shoulder, and my Smartcart full of books I entered the library. The library welcomed and directed me to the community room where I would share from. As I transitioned through the library I enjoyed conversation with a couple women who just happened to be going the same direction as me.

It was a wonderful evening. I enjoyed interacting with people as they arrived and recognized a few Facebook "friends" in the audience. I was embarrassed after I finished and started to visit with people and sign books. There were a couple people I should have recognized their faces while speaking but until I heard their voices at the signing table, didn't realize who they were. I apologized and both just laughed with me.

Before I arrived home last night, Edward, already messaged me pictures of the evening's event and posted them to Facebook. A couple who attended, left a message on my Facebook page to express how much they enjoyed the evening. Their words touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I was asked, "When are you speaking again? I want "x" to hear you and I'd like to come again." I posted upcoming events on Facebook last night but thought I would include them in today's blog too. There are a couple others I hope to secure, but for now - this is the confirmed list. I look forward to seeing you in the future. All of these are open to the public. I also have a few speaking engagements for different organizations and churches but these aren't public events. God is opening doors.

Rome Mom's Spring Fling Craft and Vendor Fair at the United Delta Methodist Church on Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Book Signing - Pulaski Kinneys on May 4th from Noon - 2"Meet & Greet" Speaking & signing - Fulton Public Library on May 13th 6 p.m.Mexico Public Library in May 22nd at 6:30 (this is an author's evening - so other local authors will be sharing also - come and meet local talent)"Meet & Greet" Speaking and signing - CNY Art Center on June 19th at 7 p.m.
Do you have a library or bookstore near you I should contact?

"Lisa, we loved hearing you talk about your book, your life, your family, your faith in Christ this evening. What I heard you say is "this makes me live". God is blessing you abundantly! Can't wait to see what He has in store for you! God's great blessings to you and your family.We also appreciated your transparency. Just wanted to add that comment. AND we're going to go to the River's End Bookstore to buy your book." 
~ A couple from last night's presentation ~

Join us at the Oswego Library TONIGHT at 6:12 p.m.

Can you believe it's Thursday already? It seems like Tuesday was only yesterday. 

For those not understanding my joke, let me explain. These past few weeks have kept me busy and on my toes and thus far I thought I was doing okay to keep everything organized and on schedule. I haven't missed or forgotten a book signing or speaking engagement. I haven't missed work and my family is still fed with clean clothes. Overall, I think we are managing fabulously. 

My blog schedule on the hand, this is a different story. The good thing about this, unless I post TOP's Tuesday on a Wednesday (like I did yesterday, teehee) ~ I am usually the only one who realizes I mixed up my days or missed a post topic. The first thing added to my daily agenda after attending my initial writers' conference, was to start a blog. July 2013 represents my third year of blogging. To celebrate, there might be something cool happening on the anniversary date to commemorate this anniversary. I won't say anymore at this time but you can know it will be fun!! Now back to the blog schedule. Typically, my blog topics are written out for a two week time frame. Each weekend I strive to create these blogs, then save them to my draft folder so during the week, I only need to open the folder and post live. 

This past August the TOP's Tuesday blog became a regular aspect of the blog from week to week. The response to this weekly posting continues to be a favorite so we decided to keep it, even after the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey earlier this month. A common question I hear is "When is the next one coming out?" The answer, keep following the blog for the answer to this question ~ especially on Tuesdays. 

This evening I will be sharing at the Oswego Public Library, 6:12 p.m. I will have both my books available for purchase and to be signed at this event too. I look forward to sharing a little of the "behind the scenes" to writing Where's Heidi? with those in attendance. It will be a fun time so I hope you will come out and join us. For more information ~ click on either photograph for a direct link.

See you tonight! How has Where's Heidi? touched your heart?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday - Overwhelmed by YOUR Words

Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released three weeks ago today. The response since this is amazing. The Lord has opened up many opportunities to share both my books, my testimony, and my love to write at different venues. 

Each reminds me of His goodness and provision ~ your hugs, notes, emails, comments, and feedback are a huge encouragement. Some of you might not realize this, but I continue to work full-time while speaking and traveling full-time to share Where's Heidi? and When the Waves Subside as different venues invite me.

We knew this would be a challenge to keep a healthy balance of family, "school" work, and "author/speaker" work times. A challenge we are up to and in God's strength, the scale won't tip in one direction more than the other. There are scheduled days of rest on the calendar to ensure I don't do too much. 

I struggle to say no when a library, church, or organization contacts me. Their invitation to share how God worked in my life in the days and months following Heidi's kidnapping, and continues to work today is a joy ~ one we believe God has called me to do. 

Some ask, "Why are doing both? Why don't you quit working so you can write, speak, and share full-time?" This always triggers a chuckle before my response, the answer...we need to eat and pay bills, hence I work. I believe the recent statistic is 1% or less of published authors are able to support themselves with only monies earned through their writing. I am happily in the majority here. 

Don't get me wrong, to live the dream of working from home as author and speaker would be a blessing but at this point in time, it is merely a dream. I love my job and the people I work ~ I would so miss seeing them every day. I'm blessed to work with an "extended family" Monday through Friday ~ a support network providing daily encouragement, love, and support in a variety of ways...ways they don't even realize. I am God's kid working as a teacher's assistant by day and an author and speaker outside the school day. Both I enjoy and feel are the places God wants me to be at this time. I will treasure both as opportunities to serve & practice obedience.


As we all move forward in this adventure of surviving, thriving, and trusting God for all ~ a huge THANKS goes out to all of you. I hope you all know how valuable, precious and appreciated the emails, private messages on Facebook, comments on Facebook and the blog, letters to my post office box (P.O. Box 261, New Haven, New York 13121), notes, and hugs encourage and motivate me on the days when the exhaustion wants to win. Your Words Encourage Me "You really touched me last time I heard you speak. You said 'my pain is no different than your pain', that really stuck with me. Thank you..."

"I shared your book with a friend I'm witnessing to. We are talking about as we go through, comparing how far we've each read. It's been good for discussion."



"It (Where's Heidi?) impacted my life when you had the first book signing (on April 3, 2013) at the convenience store your sister disappeared from. You said, 'it's not a bad place, something bad happened.' in your interview on the news, you made me think. I hadn't been to the store since 4/3/94 until you said that. Thank you." 

"I love the study questions at the back of the book. They are well written and though-provoking. They made me think."

"Must be you got up late today because your blog wasn't posted. You are part of my morning routine ~ I missed it."
Our Tuesday blogs are titled, T.0.P.'s Tuesday and will provide you with information relating to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. It might be an upcoming speaking engagement, the cover, an excerpt, or bizarre tidbits about the publishing process you may not be aware of.

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". 
Thank YOU ALL!! I pray you are encouraged half as much as I...

It's World Book Night Give Away Day!!

Last year a friend of mine, author Amy Quonce, shared her experience of being a book giver for the annual book giveaway on April 23rd. She encouraged me to join her on the endeavor this year. Although April is busy with release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey and a full schedule of speaking engagements ~ I decided it would be a joy to see the smiles on the face of children who might not typically pick up a book to read when I give them a free book.

It is going to be a busy and fabulous day today. I have the joy to give books to twenty random students in the Mexico Academy and Central Schools. I picked up my books last week at The River's End Bookstore in Oswego, New York. Bill and Mindy had refreshments and a grand celebration as a thank you to the fifty-six book givers in our area this year.

After a full day of work, giving my twenty copies of "Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life" by James Patterson. I chose to give books to students braving this year's state tests that don't generally enjoy reading and need a little extra encouragement to both read and persevere with their state testing this year.
http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/books/2013/item/418-middle-school-the-worst-years-of-my-life

A special thanks to the publishers and authors who donated books to this year's give away. To see a full list, visit: http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/books/2013 Have you participated in World Book Night Before?

SOMETIMES IT TAKES A STORM TO KNOW YOU NEED GOD

Missing Person's Remorial in Albany, New York

Our pastor started a new series this month, a slow and intense look into the book of James. A short book in the New Testament, yet packed with so much valuable information. A letter, James the Just wrote to believers of Jesus Christ thousands of years ago ~ and it still applies today.

This past weekend I joined the woman of our church for our denomination's annual women's spring conference. The theme fit perfectly with the Scripture we're absorbing as a church family back at Community Alliance. Isn't that cool? I love it when God puts all the pieces together so snuggly to form the picture we need from God, just when we need it.

If you're not familiar with this book of the Bible, the first few verses of James sum it up and prepare your heart for the message God has for us: 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 
whenever you face trials of many kinds, 
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, 
not lacking anything. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, 
having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life 
that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
James 1:2-4,12

You know my favorite Gram saying to repeat on a Monday, "So goes Monday, so goes the week." This week, I pray we all truly grasp and understand the truth of the verses above. It is possible to have joy in the midst of our trials and tribulations. There will be storms in this life. The Bible never says, if you believe in God, you will have not trouble, but instead it reminds us there will be trials and opposition but when we are going "through" these times ~ we need to remember God is refining and preparing us for something ahead. 

If someone would have told me in the days and months following Heidi's Kidnapping, "Lisa, someday you will look back and realize you are stronger and your struggle will help someone else." or "Lisa, you will write your journey to help others and travel to share this message of hope too" ~ I would have laughed at them. Only God knew how I would respond and handle Heidi's disappearance so many years later. 

There isn't a day I don't miss my sister yet there also isn't a day I don't wake up and say, "Thank you Jesus for all you did and continue to do for me. I can't do this alone." I may never see my sister or know the answers to "why" on this side of heaven but as I wait ~ I will trust HIM through this storm...Who are you trusting? What storm are you facing right now? Do you consider it joy?

Time for a new blog series...Get ready!!

Hello everyone! It is a beautiful, sunny, and glorious Sunday. I'm a little tired from the past few weeks yet there isn't time to rest. 

On Tuesday, I join the Oswego Reading Council to share with area educators about one of my favorite topics...writing. As if this isn't enough, I get to give away books to twenty lucky students through the "World Book Night Giveaway". The World Book Giveaway places books in the hands of children and adults alike that might not typically pick up a book. The cost is offset by publishers and authors across the country. I look forward to seeing the joy on the kiddos faces.

On Thursday evening, at 6:12 p.m., I will share at the Oswego Public Library. In addition to a short presentation and Q & A time, I will have books available for sale. So if you are looking for a signed copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey or When the Waves Subside: There is Hope and have a question about the writing of the book ~ visit the Oswego Library this Thursday, April 25th at 6:12 p.m.

For today, check out the video below. I am putting together the details for a new blog series that will require all of us to participate. It will be fun and hopefully end with a road trip in my future. I love a road trip! What is your favorite morning show? Why?