Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 15

t.o.p.'S tuesday: How Are You Feeling?

Oh Happy Day! I missed my Monday podcast so I did it today. I feel like such a rebel. Today is the first day of summer vacation. How did I spend my day?

First, I went to the orthopedic surgeon and although I didn't get the MRI I so wanted, he did give me a steroid shot to help with the pain and range of motion. After this, I went to school and sat in the parking lot to help hand out end-of-the-year gifts to our students.

Once home, my daughter and I helped my aunt with a small project then returned home. I enjoyed time writing while Mags binge-watched something on the television. Hubby was napping. It has been a relaxing Tuesday and start to the vacay. Taking a relative to the doctors tomorrow then volunteering at the Mexico Food Pantry. Thursday, I get to help a friend lay out a quilt. Friday, we deliver the rest of our student's goodies, then, it's really Summer Vacation!!

It's been a great start to the week and I look forward to the fun ahead!
Can You Sum Up Your In ONE Word or MeMe?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: An Interview reflection

Last Wednesday I shared the podcast I had the privilege to participate on. Diana Trepkov, Forensic Artist & Podcaster, interviewed me for her new and upcoming podcast, "Can I Help Find Your Missing Loved One?" If you enjoy true crime and listening to podcasts, then you don't want to miss this one ~ add it to your favorites now. I'm not saying this just because you can learn about my sister, Heidi M Allen. I have learned a lot in the few episodes Diana has produced so far. It's an educational, real, and encouraging podcast remembering and focusing on our missing and their families. The experts she's had on so far are engaging, knowledgeable and real.

As I reflect on my conversations with Diana, whether it be in a private message, email, or during the interview...one thing is evident. There is so much good in this world. We need to start focusing and highlighting all the good, positive, and beautiful things, people, and events in this world. If we spend half as much time on the positives as some do on negative things, the world would be a bright and beautiful place. T.O.P.'s Tuesday started as the one day of the week dedicated to sharing publication, speaking, events, and such. I think this is the best day to share the joy and thankfulness I'm feeling, even weeks later. 

As you move into the rest of the week, remember there is GOOD IN THIS WORLD! Let us start focusing on, and sharing, the good things. Let's encourage, uplift, and appreciate those in our circle of influence and if they do the same with those in their circle, and so on and so on...the world is going to be a the wonderful, positive, and loving environment we all want it to be. Thank you Diana for being a light in the midst of darkness and sharing your talents to encourage others. Your time, podcast, and friendship are blessings I count and hope will start a snowball of hope to others.
Click here to here her interview with me released on June 3, 2020

Click here to visit Diana's website

Click here to check out Diana's other podcast episodes on
"Can I Help You Find Your Missing Loved One?"
I'm thankful for people like Diana...
WHO are you thankful for today?

The Beauty Continues ALL 365 dAYS

It's been a week or so since Memorial Day. It's a year of firsts. The first year for most of us without parades, picnics, and spending the day at the beach. Instead of big family gatherings and parties, it was another day of intimate time at home. One thing remained the same for our family, we visited the cemetery. We waited until after supper so it wouldn't be as crowded.

It doesn't matter how many years I step into the cemetery on Memorial Day, it ALWAYS takes my breath away with the beauty of the flags blowing in the wind. We weren't sure the flags would be placed on the Veteran and First Responder stones would be there due to the COVID-19 Pandemic BUT our small community of service men and women did not let the community or our fallen down.

The cemetery was full of red, white, blue, and American pride. Thank you to the men and women who took the time to place the flags, and a special thanks to the men and women who honored our country with their service.

Our little New Haven, New York cemetery is one of the best I've visited. Our caretaker is the best and maintains the highest of standards. You can visit any time during it's open season and find it meticulously mowed and trimmed. There isn't an abundance of clutter or overgrown bushes and trees. It is always a breath taking experience to visit our cemetery. Remember to thank not only those who make the cemetery beautiful for a weekend but that maintain this level of respect and beauty all year. Today's blog is dedicated to the cemetery
caretakers who keep our places of 
remembrance a place of serenity.
​THANK YOU!

Do What You Have To Do!

I've shared the transformation of the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden over the past week. It was a joyous, uplifting, and somber time. Maintaining the garden is one way I remember, show love, and keep Heidi's memory alive. This year I had this idea to dig out all the greenery and replace it with 30lb bags of stone, three different colors. My Dad, hubby, and daughter liked the idea and when we were finished, we all took a deep breath and smiled. 

The one thing I didn't count on was banging up my knee prior to this renovation. I found myself thanking them more and apologizing for not being able to do more. Today's photo is a scene that caused much laughter as we worked. It was amusing to watch me try to rake while holding the crutch, cut the bag of stones and dump them, or move around taking pictures. ​I even managed to figure out how to get down on one knee with my other knee extended. Getting up was a sight but I was able to help. There were times I got frustrated with the crutch and would toss it then be looking for it when I'd need to walk so I'd use the rake as my crutch. Why do I share this with you? It's simple, when we make a decision, we need to follow through regardless. One thing I chose to do, as long as I have breath in my lungs and the ability, is to keep the #HeidiAllenRemembranceGarden a beautiful symbol of hope and love. 

We have all lost someone in our lives. We chose to remember and honor them. It's different for each of us, and I'll bet it's probably different for you than it is for another member of your family. Don't focus on the difference in your remembrance, focus on how loved this person is to you and others. Regardless of how you chose to remember, don't let the little things get in the way. Don't let the bumps and bruises of life get in the way of your dreams and follow thru. If one thing isn't working, use something else. Sometimes we need to toss the crutch to the side and use a rake. Other times, it goes like a well-oiled machine with no bumps.  The thing to focus on is remembering. 
Our loved ones deserve to be remembered.
They helped us become who we are today. What is it you have to do?

​What is holding you back?

Meet Diana Trepkov: Forensic Artist

Years ago, I met Laurie Travis Schirmer, at the New York State Missing Person’s Day after I spoke to the families about my sister, Heidi M Allen, and her kidnapping case. Laurie and I have a connection, both our sister’s are missing. Laurie’s sister, Rose Marie Gayhart, disappeared from North Fort Myers on March 14, 1985. Laurie is an advocate for missing persons, especially, her sister Rose.
​
Laurie is the one who introduced me to Diana Trepkov. Diana is a forensic artist, professional speaker, and now a podcaster. Diana’s passion and desire to help families of the missing is a blessing. To talk to Diana is like talking to a long-lost friend. Her calm openness when you talk invites you to share from the depths of one’s heart. My first interaction with Diana was in 2013 when she used her forensic artist talents to develop an age progression for my sister, Heidi. If you click on the age progression, you’ll be linked to an article written by Steve Yablonski with the Oswego County Today newspaper. 
 Since this first “meeting”, Diana and I have kept in touch through social media. Diana started a podcast this year, “Can I Help Find Your Missing Loved One?” It's a must listen if you like true-crime. http://www.canihelpfindyourmissinglovedone.com
​
Since starting her podcast, she’s interviewed:Family of Diane Prevost, missing since 1966Gil Alba: NYPD New Detective First Grade, working with Major Case Squad and FBI/NYPD Violent Crime Task ForceDenise Horvath-Allan: about the suspected murder of her missing son Charles Karoly John Horvath-AllanCECE MOORE, THE GENETIC DETECTIVE: An Investigative Genetic Genealogist gives Extremely Valuable AdviceA Determined Mom Searching For Her Missing Daughter Jessie FosterHamilton Police Service Missing Person Holly Ellsworth-ClarkToday's Podcast about my beautiful sister, Heidi Allen - click here for a direct link to this podcastFollow her podcast to hear future episodes by clicking here I shared Diana’s new podcast on my social media so others can learn of her selfless dedication to the families of the missing, and in hopes that someone listening might be able to help bring home someone else’s missing loved one. The day Diana messaged and invited me to be her guests, I teared up and was shaking. I accepted. I thanked God for her generosity and invitation. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share Heidi and her kidnapping case. Thank you Diana for all you do for the families of the missing and your heart to bring all the missing home.
​
You can listen to my interview with Diana Trepkov by clicking here. In addition, I embedded a link to her podcast, “Can I help find your missing loved one?” on the sidebar of my blog so you can follow her too. Happy listening! Feel free to visit any of the Youtube videos, book links, and other podcasts after reading today’s blog and listening to her interview with me. You are blessings I count! More About Diana Trepkov Diana P. Trepkov is a Forensic Artist, Author, Lecturer, Producer & Host of the Podcast, “Can I Help Find Your Missing Loved One?" She is best known for her work in forensic art. She started off her career volunteering at the Durham Rape Crisis center to help victims of crime.  Throughout Canada and the United States, she has been an artist for many years and has been involved in 230 law enforcement cold cases to date, which involved her forensic artwork techniques. Ms. Trepkov has helped to solve high profile cases in the United States.

Ms. Trepkov has appeared on national television shows, such as CTV’s Canada AM, CTV news, Global News, Rogers TV, CTV National News, Mystery TV, WINK Florida News, GTA’s Most Wanted, First Local, My Community Rogers TV, CP24 NEWS, ABC 15 Phoenix, History Channel, Nancy Grace, CNN World News Live, CNN Headline News live with Ali Velshi, CNN Breaking News with Brooke Baldwin regarding Baby Doe from Boston and News 14 Carolina, and was featured as the cover story for PI Magazine, which is an international magazine and the cover story for Blue Line Magazine. She was recently on CBC Radio The Current-To catch a criminal, police sketches.  Her forensic artwork has been published all over North America in various newspapers.

Ms. Trepkov has written articles for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Agenda. She was a presenter for the FBI Conference and was awarded a plaque. Ms. Trepkov was featured in the Toronto Star Newspaper “Face to Face with 2 Doomed Franklin members.” Another article was written in the World in Brief Exclusive Sunday Post in Scotland regarding the Franklin Expedition titled “170 years on, is this a face from one of the Navy’s darkest hours?” Diana’s work on the Franklin Expedition was featured many times in the Above & Beyond Magazine – Canada’s Arctic Journal (First Air, The Airline of the North).

Her work on the 1845 lost Franklin Expedition and the facial reconstructions have been displayed at the Canadian Museum of History with several other institutions both internationally and within Canada. The exhibition was open at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, UK before travelling to Canada. Diana presented a lecture about the Lost Franklin Expedition facial reconstructions at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in September 2016.

Ms. Trepkov previously worked for the York Regional Police Service in the Forensic Identification Bureau and previously served as a Toronto Police Auxiliary officer with the Toronto Police Service. She is a member of the Toronto Police Victim/Witness Advocate Committee. She is a good standing member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police since 2005, The Canadian Liaison for The Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State (ALDONYS) and Alba Investigations, Inc.  Her articles have been published in Blue Line Magazine, which is Canada’s national law enforcement magazine and H.Q. which is the official magazine of The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

​Her forensic artwork has also been featured in Unsolved: True Canadian Cold Cases a book by R. J. Hoshowsky.  Diana's first book was published in April 2011 and is called  "Faceless, Voiceless- From Search to Closure, A Forensic Artist's Inspirational Approach to the Missing and Unidentified."   Diana also has 4 children books published. These books have a mission and that is to help prevent children from going missing and to help them make the positive choices in life.
Find her on Facebook by clicking here

Follow on Instagram by Clicking Here
​
Link to Diana’s Podcast
Visit her website by clicking here

http://www.forensicsbydiana.com/

Link to Oswego County News article about Age Progression Click on the book cover to learn more about each book and/or to order through Amazon. http://www.canihelpfindyourmissinglovedone.com Children's Book Podcast Forensic Artist listen to her podcast, and learn more about the science behind her forensic artistry.

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: The Heidi Remembrance Garden

[image error] Last week I shared an idea with my Dad and husband, to switch from dirt, plants, flowers, and mulch to multiple layers of black covering and stone. They liked the idea and we went to work. If you missed the blog about this process, click here. As we dug out the old plants and flowers, and the solar lights, these four beautiful lake rocks were uncovered. ​To some visiting the garden, they might say, "Those are nice." I agree, they are yet their meaning is deeper and more precious than having a little of Lake Ontario at the garden.

As kids, we spent many hours on our bicycles riding between each other's houses and to Lake Ontario and back. These were the best days, before cellular phones, tablets, and technology at our fingertips. We talked, laughed, made plans, and too many memories to count or ever recount at reunions. These were the best of times and we knew how to spend time with each other, without the urge or need to record, post, or respond to others while enjoying each other's company. These four rocks were placed at the #HeidiAllenRemembranceGarden by one of our close friends as a remembrance of our childhood in a small New York town. [image error] The center of the garden has a  cement statue of two kids reading a book. Heidi and I spent a lot of time together and reading. The cup of the book holds water after the rain, serving as a bird bath. When we made the change from greenery to stone, I knew we needed something in the center. Once I saw this, I knew this was the one. 

It's a symbol of hope, sisters, love, and and the brilliant blue is highlighted at night, some of the surrounding white stones (900 of them to be exact) are solar rocks and will glow blue at night. I'll try and get a picture and share it on a future blog. A big thanks to all who hold Heidi close to their hearts and in their prayers. You encourage and uplift us, may God bless you in return.
How do you remember the ones you love?

Guest Post: Why Women Need to Take Care of Themselves by Joyce Shulman

About the Author, Joyce Shulman
Joyce Shulman, founder and CEO of 99 Walks and Macaroni Kid reaches millions of moms each month with hyper-local and national e-newsletters and websites, social media content, video and her Weekly Walk podcast.

Having created a one-of-a-kind digital platform, she connects families to the wonders of their own communities and inspires women to chase their dreams and crush their goals.
Her most recent endeavor, 99 Walks, is on a mission to combat loneliness and improve fitness through the simple act of encouraging moms to walk together. Her mission? Nothing short of getting a million women walking. Joyce Shulman's Guest Post Women have always been the caregivers and, while we can debate whether or not this is how it should be, at least in our society, it is the way it. We take care of our children, our partners and our parents. We care for our friends, our homes, and our pets. We are, invariably, the front line.

And it’s exhausting.

Yet we live in a society that discourages women from taking care of themselves and applauds them for making a total sacrifice of self. Simultaneously, we are bombarded with messages about how perfect everything should look and feel.

It’s wrong on so many levels. 

First, you can’t be everything for everyone unless you have first taken care of yourself.  It’s been said over and over in so very many ways. But how often do you listen? How often do you say no to one of your children’s requests so that you can take a bubble bath? How often do you ask a friend/husband/mother/sister to watch your kids for an hour so you can take a walk? Ridiculous right?

How often do you say no to a favor for a friend? Sure, you’ll ask for help if you need to take your mother to the doctor, but asking someone to watch your kids so you can read a book? Never? As I thought. So, you will ask people for help so that you to take care of other people, but not to take care of yourself, right? And yet you know, intellectually at least, that unless your cup is full, you will have less to give. You know that when you are depleted, you are not your best self for the people you love most.

Second, you deserve it. I know, I know. You have so much to do. But there is only one of you. And I know many of you. I know how incredible you are. And I know that you deserve the very best, most beautiful, incredible life that you can create.

You deserve to wake up in the morning feeling good. You deserve to look in the mirror and like what you see. You deserve limber muscles, pretty toes, good friends, and eight hours of sleep a night. You are a fully-formed, human being who is, herself, entitled to a joyful life.

Finally, we teach our children the wrong message with too much self-sacrifice and we perpetuate a culture that constantly reminds women they need to put themselves last. Do you want the next generation to grow up believing that the complete surrender of self is the obligation of parenthood? Probably not. Probably, what you wish for them is a life filled with love and joy and, dare I say it, balance.

​The ability to have a family, but also to have interests, and friends and faith and love. If that’s what you want for your children, that is what you should model. See the paradox? If you want your children to have the best life they possibly can, then you must show them that it is possible to be a great parent and still take great care of yourself. You must teach them that it is okay for mom to sometimes put herself first. So, if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for the kids.

​Joyce Shulman is the co-founder of Macaroni Kid, Pack Leader at 99 Walks and author of Walk Your Way to Better. A serial entrepreneur, speaker and self-confessed idea junkie, you can find her on Instagram at Joyce.r.shulman.

Find Joyce online at:
​http://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceshulman

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH-NR50srbDzKdUBx5BPgQQ

https://twitter.com/joycershulman
​
https://www.instagram.com/joyce.r.shulman/ Thank you Joyce Shulman
​for Guest blogging today!

Guest Post: Why Women Need to Take Care of Themselves by Joyce Schulman

About the Author, Joyce Schulman
Joyce Shulman, founder and CEO of 99 Walks and Macaroni Kid reaches millions of moms each month with hyper-local and national e-newsletters and websites, social media content, video and her Weekly Walk podcast.

Having created a one-of-a-kind digital platform, she connects families to the wonders of their own communities and inspires women to chase their dreams and crush their goals.
Her most recent endeavor, 99 Walks, is on a mission to combat loneliness and improve fitness through the simple act of encouraging moms to walk together. Her mission? Nothing short of getting a million women walking.
Joyce Shulman's Guest Post Women have always been the caregivers and, while we can debate whether or not this is how it should be, at least in our society, it is the way it. We take care of our children, our partners and our parents. We care for our friends, our homes, and our pets. We are, invariably, the front line.

And it’s exhausting.

Yet we live in a society that discourages women from taking care of themselves and applauds them for making a total sacrifice of self. Simultaneously, we are bombarded with messages about how perfect everything should look and feel.

It’s wrong on so many levels. 

First, you can’t be everything for everyone unless you have first taken care of yourself.  It’s been said over and over in so very many ways. But how often do you listen? How often do you say no to one of your children’s requests so that you can take a bubble bath? How often do you ask a friend/husband/mother/sister to watch your kids for an hour so you can take a walk? Ridiculous right?

How often do you say no to a favor for a friend? Sure, you’ll ask for help if you need to take your mother to the doctor, but asking someone to watch your kids so you can read a book? Never? As I thought. So, you will ask people for help so that you to take care of other people, but not to take care of yourself, right? And yet you know, intellectually at least, that unless your cup is full, you will have less to give. You know that when you are depleted, you are not your best self for the people you love most.

Second, you deserve it. I know, I know. You have so much to do. But there is only one of you. And I know many of you. I know how incredible you are. And I know that you deserve the very best, most beautiful, incredible life that you can create.

You deserve to wake up in the morning feeling good. You deserve to look in the mirror and like what you see. You deserve limber muscles, pretty toes, good friends, and eight hours of sleep a night. You are a fully-formed, human being who is, herself, entitled to a joyful life.

Finally, we teach our children the wrong message with too much self-sacrifice and we perpetuate a culture that constantly reminds women they need to put themselves last. Do you want the next generation to grow up believing that the complete surrender of self is the obligation of parenthood? Probably not. Probably, what you wish for them is a life filled with love and joy and, dare I say it, balance.

​The ability to have a family, but also to have interests, and friends and faith and love. If that’s what you want for your children, that is what you should model. See the paradox? If you want your children to have the best life they possibly can, then you must show them that it is possible to be a great parent and still take great care of yourself. You must teach them that it is okay for mom to sometimes put herself first. So, if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for the kids.

​Joyce Shulman is the co-founder of Macaroni Kid, Pack Leader at 99 Walks and author of Walk Your Way to Better. A serial entrepreneur, speaker and self-confessed idea junkie, you can find her on Instagram at Joyce.r.shulman.

Find Joyce online at:
​http://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceshulman

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH-NR50srbDzKdUBx5BPgQQ

https://twitter.com/joycershulman
​
https://www.instagram.com/joyce.r.shulman/ Thank you Joyce Shulman
​for Guest blogging today!

"Walk Your Way to better" A Review

Do you like to walk? Are looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health at the same time? Walking is the way to go.

Joyce Shulman's book, Walk your Way to Better , is the resource you need. I was excited to join this book tour and to implement her book into practice. Today, I'll share my review and on the 30th, Joyce will guest here on the blog. You'll get to hear about the book twice.

First let me share a quote from the book about what this book is NOT: "This is not a book about losing weight...This is not a book about improving your mood or helping combat depression...This is not a book about becoming a more patient parent or becoming happier...This is not a book about reversing early stage diabetes, strengthening your bones, or making your brain bigger or your heart stronger...This is a book about walking your way to better." page 10 BUT, here's is the best part, BUT by walking and implementing Joyce's concept, these things might just happen. There are 99 sections, this is 99 different ways to change up your walk. 

Each section has a "thought-starter" followed by a story or some cool research. I haven't read all 99 yet but I like how she's listed the title's in the Table of Contents. I've skimmed the Table of Contents and picked the ones that stood out to me. The first one I chose was about Popeye. My memories of Popeye and his strength, Robin Williams as Popeye, and watching it with my Dad and sister. I was pleasantly surprised to learn the pre-walk reading wasn't about strength, instead she shared research and facts about how women tend to apologize more than men. Yup, nailed that one on the head.

I look forward to reading more and "lacing up my sneakers", as Joyce says, and start walking my way better. Her subtitle, "99 Walks That Will Change Your Life" summarizes the book beautifully. What are you waiting for? Get your copy of the book, lace up your sneaks, read and get walking.
About the Book
​This is a book about walking your way to better. Everywhere you turn, people, podcasts and gurus promise a simple path to the life you want. But few of them work. Why? Because simply reading the words is rarely enough to call your heart and mind to action. This book is different.
Each section provides a thought-starter, insight or story. But I don’t want you to just read it. I want you to read a section and then lace up your sneakers and head out the door. Because while walking, your brain processes in a unique way, enabling you to recognize the things that are truly holding your back and the changes you actually need to make.
Find Joyce online at:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceshulman

​https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH-NR50srbDzKdUBx5BPgQQ
​
https://twitter.com/joycershulman

https://www.instagram.com/joyce.r.shulman/ ​You will literally Walk Your Way to Better.
Along the way, you will forge a powerful connection between your mind and your body. And bonus -- you’ll feel better and become fitter. Are you ready to Walk Your Way Better ?

Review: Walk Your Way to Better.

This is a book about walking your way to better. Everywhere you turn, people, podcasts and gurus promise a simple path to the life you want. But few of them work. Why? Because simply reading the words is rarely enough to call your heart and mind to action. This book is different.

Each section provides a thought-starter, insight or story. But I don’t want you to just read it. I want you to read a section and then lace up your sneakers and head out the door. Because while walking, your brain processes in a unique way, enabling you to recognize the things that are truly holding your back and the changes you actually need to make.

You will literally Walk Your Way to Better. Along the way, you will forge a powerful connection between your mind and your body. And bonus -- you’ll feel better and become fitter. My Review: Let me start with the most basic, yet influential, aspects of this book. As you read Walk Your Way to Better: 99 Walks that Will Change Your Life, by Joyce Shulman, you will feel as if she is sitting next to you.

This book is written from your best friend from twenty years ago, you know the one, The One you can call on and is always there offering support, encouragement, and just the right advice. This is Joyce Shulman, as she encourages you to take time for yourself. She motivates and inspires you to get off the couch, out of the house, and to leave the laundry in the basket for someone else to fold.

After reading the introduction, I was ready to grab my socks and sneakers. I do enjoy walking and  getting outside. I do some of my best thinking, unwinding, and relaxing while walking in the great outdoors. Are you wondering why I'd like a book with ninety-nine pre-walking devotionals, prompts?

Let me tell you. When the weather is crummy, which it is a lot in Central New York, I use the treadmill at the YMCA. I do NOT enjoy walking the treadmill, I feel like I'm going nowhere and struggle to block out the distractions around me...until now!

I've read a few of the pre-workout readings and made a decision, this book is going in my gym bag. This is just what I need to read while doing my warm-up on the treadmill, before turning the music up (to drown my plodding feet) and burn some calories. This book going to be a valuable resource at the gym. A neat perk, there are 99 titles to choose from. I don't have to read in order, I can read the one catching my attention on a particular day. I'm woman, and never know what direction I'm going until I'm there so I like the options. If you are just starting a walking routine or a veteran walker, this book is a resource you'll want to add to your gym bag and tool box.
Okay Ladies, who is ready to walk their way better?