Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 25

T.O.P.'S tUESDAY: wRITER'S cOTTAGE pART ii

A week later and the "Writer's Cottage" is complete and might have a solid name, might being the key word. It's the "cottage", "little house", or "whatever". I've charged my daughter to come up with a name but she hasn't even thought of one yet. Dad said "The Little House" and he can be "The Big House". This makes us laugh so it will probably stick unless Mary comes up with something better soon.

The insulation is complete and caulking is done also. Once the men finished the hard work, I started the fun of adding the wall and ceiling decor. Contact paper is en inexpensive way to add style to things and a new writing space. I picked two different distressed woods. The one on the ceiling has a touch of blue and the walls are just the distressed white.  Once the walls and ceiling were complete I added four blackboard "week-at-a-glance" schedules to keep me on task from week to week. To the right on the ceiling is a whiteboard yearly calendar, with no dates so I can reuse it each year. Above the door is a blackboard with short and long term goals. 

The placement of these was strategic so I am reminded each time I enter and exit of my immediate, upcoming, and long-range tasks/goals. I function better with lists and my things-to-do and goals written down and in my sight at all times.

The floor was swept out before adding some carpeting. Our budget didn't support a carpet to fit so we picked up a couple remnant pieces for less than $40 for both.
We found some blue carpeting and it pulls the blue from the ceiling out, it looks great, if I don't say so myself. In the window is a roll of paper I found in Mary's playhouse, so I saved it and to the left of that is a small Bluetooth speaker. It looks like an antique radio, the same blue as the ceiling. The carpet is three inches shy on one side and overlaps in the center but I'm the only one in there and I adore it as is.

The furniture has been added: tables, chairs, a stool, bookshelves, and all the supplies necessary to enter the cottage in the morning and not leave until the day's goals have been met. The first day I worked in the cottage I banged out over 3,000 words. 

In case you are like my hubby, Dad and other non-writers...I usually wrote 700 - 1,000 words when I went to the lake or library in one sitting. In one afternoon I tripled word count. Woot woot! The time saved in packing everything up, driving to and from was spent writing. An added bonus, as I write, I can make notes on the walls and ceiling to keep track of characters, settings, and other story elements to keep the story flowing. In the car, I had so many different places, I'd lose track of where I saved it the last time I wrote. Now, it's one stop writing and creativity.

There hasn't been much writing this week because our daughter is home from her summer job and preparing to move back into college and we've had the added bonus of company with us too. It's wonderful! It's a vacation from the writing cottage but next week, when I'm not at school, I'll be putting serious hours  and words in. I have a book to get written before school starts so I can be working on edits during the school year. (This is a BIG goal, one I'm striving to reach)

With this, it's time to get some work done. Happy reading, writing, and more reading!
What have you done this week to create a place to create? A place to invest time in your passion?

T.O.P.s Tuesday: Writer's Cottage Part I

Earlier in the month I attended the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference in beautiful hils of Montrose, Pennsylvania. It was a busy, exciting, and educational week. I came home more inspired to write and with a renewed drive to publish again. An answer to prayer.

At the conclusion of the conference we, the attendees were challenged to prioritize what we would do first. To write being the number one priority. I took time before leaving and made a preliminary to-do-list One of the first things on my list was to create a place to write.

I'll still write on my deck, in the living room, or at a local eatery from time to time yet in a dream world there were I few things I hoped to achieve by having my own writing space:
1) A place where I can leave my WIP (Work In Progress) in organized chaos on the table rather than setting it back up each time I start to write
2) A place without television and distraction but with Internet access
3) A place I can bring my own water and snacks with me (to save money) and not have to spend money for the atmosphere
4) A place outside of my house so I don't focus on the never-ending-to-do-lists at home
5) FREE because I'm a writer, we don't have money.  My husband I brainstormed and he suggested waiting until August. After our daughter goes back to college, instead of her room becoming a sewing room, it could be a "multi-purpose creative space". I agreed yet want out daughter to have a place to sleep when she comes home and don't want to wait until mid-August to set up shop.

As with most my ideas, I woke up in the middle of the night with an idea. I told hubby and my dad, "You know my writer's space, I have an idea." They looked at each other, and their first hesitant question was the same..."Okay, what?" I'm known for getting this "ideas" and somehow Dad and Ed make them happen. I shared my idea, "Why don't I clean out Mary's playhouse and transform it into a writer's cottage?" They liked the idea and Dad suggested adding insulation so I'd be warm in the winter, I hadn't thought about this. 

I text and asked Mary permission to use her playhouse, her response was priceless, "Of course, BUT don't get rid of my toys, Barbies, Polly Pockets, Horses, and Barn, well anything. I'm saving them for my kids." Easy enough. I cleaned out a back corner of Dad's shed and moved my future grandchildren's goodies into a new storage location. Next, I hoed out all the JUNK we've been tossing in there over the years. Each time we tossed something in we'd say, "If we have a lawn sale..." Yeah, right! All that stuff was donated or tossed, it felt pretty good to purge it all. Yes, I didn't think to take a before picture and decided it's for the better because then you'd all have a detailed visual of my hoarding tendencies, or emotional attachment issues. Each item in there, I remembered who gave it to me or where it came from. I am an emotional "keeper", I keep stuff I don't really want because of the memory it holds. I took a big step and let it go, holding onto the memories, not the stuff.

Instead of clutter to cottage, you can enjoy the renovation itself. My Dad joked, "I know why these little house cost so much money." I looked and bit, "Why?" After wiping the sweat from his forehead and ducking out the 4 foot door, with a smile on his face, "Because it's a pain and tough work. Easy work made challenging due to space." We all laughed and kept working until after Noon when the sun peaked at 92 degrees, we took the rest of the day off.

I didn't get to the cottage today for a final picture of the inside but it's all insulated and caulked. Tomorrow my wall covering arrives. I had fun using my creativity in ordering this. I plan to use the walls and ceiling and story boards and note paper so the walls will be done with contact paper. Yes, you heard me, contact paper. It reminds me of the scene from Johnny Dangerously when they are running from the cops and they peel contact paper off the car as part of their disguise. I looked for a clip but didn't find one, sorry.

Sorry, got distracted. LOL

Anyway, you can write on contact paper with dry erase markers and erase it. I can't wait. Once it arrives, with my daughter's help, I'll be doing "wallpaper" and "ceilings". For now, I write sitting in my living room but the pile of goodies heading to my writer's cottage is exciting and motivating. Within the week I'll be able to leave hubby a note, "At the cottage writing, see you after work."
If you attended Montrose Writers' Conference,
what is one thing you are working on?

If you are inspired and set a goal, 
what is it and what are you doing to achieve it?

TRX versus Lisa...Time to Face My Fears

Thanks for coming back to the blog to find out if I faced my fear on the TRX. Mid-June I posted about my TRX fear, click here to read the blog associated with this one. As my trainer, Brandon, demonstrated this exercise the first time I watched and shook my head. My daughter volunteered me to go first. I put on my "I can do this" face but when it came to leaning back, I didn't trust the TRX or myself. Brandon assured me that if it could him, it would hold me.

I did my set and tried a couple times before my next training session so I wouldn't look like such a ninny. This past week I asked my husband to take my picture doing the exercise that used to cause a touch of anxiety. I still close my eyes as I lean back. I'm not sure what closing my eyes will do but it makes me feel better. I started with one set of six mid-June. As of now, I'm doing three sets of ten! Woot Woot!  ​I'm learning a lot and enjoy the way I feel, sleep, and the way my clothes are fitting since starting a journey to a healthier way of living this past January. I need to let Dr. Jack Kunkel know about my change in attitude towards the gym, exercise, and working out. I went from resisting three times a week to at least three times a week and hiring a personal trainer. Life is good! 

I don't LOVE going to the gym. There are days I dread it BUT I enjoy the benefits of going. My daughter said I have potential to be a "gym rat". I don't think so. These people are motivated and anticipate the gym, me, I understand the health benefits and like the way I feel after a good workout. I may end up liking it but for now, I'm happy to WANT to go and enjoy myself while I'm there. Did I confuse you or is this making sense? What fear have you faced this week?

A Book Review: "Banged-Up Heart" by Shirley Melis

​Banged-Up Heart is an intimate and clear-eyed account of finding love late and losing it early—and of the strength it takes to fall deeply in love a second time, be forced to relinquish that love too soon, and yet choose to love again. 

When her husband of thirty years dies suddenly, Shirley Melis is convinced she will never find another man like Joe. Then she meets John, a younger man who tells her during their first conversation that he has lived for many years with a rare but manageable cancer. She is swept off her feet in a whirlwind courtship, and within months, made brave by the early death of a friend’s husband, she asks him to marry her! What follows is a year-long odyssey of travel and a growing erotic and creative partnership— until a mysterious bump on John’s forehead proves to be one of several tumors in his brain and spine. 

The nine months that follow are filled with a life-threatening infection, three brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. Two years and one week after their wedding, John dies at the age of fifty-nine. More than just a love story or a memoir of mourning, Banged-Up Heart comes down solidly on the side of life. It takes you deep inside an ordinary woman, her deeply felt grief butting up against her desire for more than companionship: passion, sexual fulfillment, and self-realization. It bears eloquent witness to the wild trust it takes to fall madly in love and risk profound loss—a second time. Ultimately, it shows that it is possible to dance with a banged-up heart. Praise Shirley Melis is a longtime business writer, travel writer, and newspaper columnist who traveled the world interviewing everyone from busboys to heads of international organizations before launching a career in public relations in Washington, D.C. With Banged-Up Heart, she now takes her writing in a new direction, delving deeply into her own personal story of finding love late, losing it early, and discovering the strength to choose to love again.

It is a fascinating odyssey, a journey both creative and erotic as Shirley and John work lovingly together to blend their dreams—until a mysterious bump on his forehead starts them on a tragic struggle against the dark hand of fate. A graduate of Vassar, Shirley Melis has created an intimate memoir bearing eloquent witness to the kind of wild trust that can grow in the heart of an ordinary woman thrust into circumstances that few others must face. Now retired, she lives in Galisteo, New Mexico. My review:
It was a joy to listen to Banged Up Heart by Shirley Melis. The excitement of her beginning and sharing her personal story. It was a bonus to have this book available on Audibles so I could listen while driving, walking, and doing the dishes. Shirley shares the loves of her life, after losing her first husband, she finds an unexpected love. My favorite part of the book are the word choices Shirley uses when writing. Instead of using boring adjectives, she creates vivid pictures with detail oriented adjectives. As a writer, I found this beneficial and looked forward to her description of mundane or traumatic events because of her word  choices, she made each scene welcoming and hopeful. 

It's a memoir of love and loss, hope, and evidence that a couple can exercise give and take to fulfill both their dreams while creating new ones at the same time. I recommend this book if you are looking for true love and life examples.
July 8 (today) @ The Muffin
Interview and giveaway.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

July 9 @ Book Santa Fe Crystal Otto Crystal J. Casavant-Otto shares her review after listening to the touching and inspiring memoir Banged Up Heart by Shirley Melis.
http://www.booksantafe.info/

July 10 @ Lisa Buske reviews the Audible version of Banged-Up Heart: Dancing with Love and Loss by Shirley Melis.
https://www.lisambuske.com/

July 11 @ Bring on Lemons with Tara Forst Wisconsin mother and business woman Tara Forst shares her thoughts after listening to the inspirational audible version of Banged-Up Heart by Shirley Melis.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

July 12th @ BreakEven Books Today's Author Spotlight at BreakEven Books is on Shirley Melis and her memoir Banged-Up Heart - now available on Audible!
https://breakevenbooks.com/

July 13 @ Bring on Lemons with Angela Williams Angela Williams reviews Shirley Melis's Banged Up Heart.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

July 14 @ Bring on Lemons with Cathy Hanse Educator and Entrepreneur Cathy Hansen reads and reviews Banged Up Heart by Shirley Melis. You'll want to stop by Bring On Lemons today for your chance to learn more about this touching and encouraging memoir (now available on Audible).
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

July 15 @ Lisa Haselton Shirley Melis is being interviewed today by Lisa Haselton. Stop at Lisa's blog to learn more about Banged Up Heart, a non-fiction, memoir (now available on Audible), about finding the courage and strength to love again.
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

July 16 @ Bring on Lemons with Madeline Sharples Fellow memoir writer Madeline Sharples interviews Shirley Melis about her book Banged Up Heart. (now available on Audible) Don't miss this heart felt interview about courage and love.
http://madelinesharples.com/​ July 17 @ Jerry Waxler Coach and Author Jerry Waxler shares his thoughts after reading Shirley Melis's memoir Banged Up Heart.
www.memorywritersnetwork.com/blog
​
July 18 @ Deb Blanchard Teacher Deb Blanchard gives insight into "Banged Up Heart" the touching memoir by Shirley Melis (now available on Audible).
https://www.facebook.com/Reviews-by-Deb-1737715249887520/

July 19 @ Linda Appleman Shapiro Don't miss today's interview between memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro and Shirley Melis. Find out more about Melis and her memoir Banged Up Heart (now available on Audible). http://applemanshapiro.com/
 
July 20 @ Bring on Lemons with Penny Harrison Wisconsin business owner and avid reader Penny Harrison shares her thoughts and feelings about Shirley Melis's memoir Banged Up Heart http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
 
July 22 @ Memoir Writers Journey with Kathleen Pooler Kathleen Pooler shares her thoughts with readers of Memoir Writer's Journey - find out what Pooler has to say about reading Shirley Melis's memoir Banged Up Heart. 
http://krpooler.com/

July 23 @ Bring on Lemons with Pang Papathopolus Wisconsin professional caregiver and health care worker Pang gives her review of the Audible version of Banged-Up Heart by Shirley Melis.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
 
July 24 @ The Constant Story with David W. Berner Author and radio personality David W Berner reviews Shirley Melis's book Banged Up Heart and shares his thoughts with readers at The Constant Story. http://davidwberner.blogspot.com/
 
July 25@ World of My Imagination  Nicole Pyles shares her review of Banged-Up Heart on Audible - hear what she has to say about this memoir in it's audio form!
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/
 
July 26 @ Bring on Lemons with Michelle DelPonte Michelle DelPonte shares her review of the Audible version of Shirley Melis's Banged Up Heart today at Bring on Lemons. Don't miss this exciting blog stop and book giveaway.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ Thank you Shirley for the opportunity to
read & share your book with my readers...
Readers, I hope you'll check out the other blogs
​on the tour and her books. Until next time...

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Spotlighting Anthologies I've Participated In

Lisa’s 18-year-old sister was kidnapped in 1994, and remains missing. They all have three things in common: losing a loved one to kidnapping or homicide, facing a roller coaster of overwhelming emotions, & embarking on a journey in search of understanding, healing, & hope. 
Part of the award-winning Grief Diaries series featuring true stories about real life experiences, this book is a portable support group for people who have lost a loved one by kidnapping or homicide. Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives With a Special Needs Child is a unique collection of stories from families who have come together to share in the trials and tribulations on raising a child with a disability.

​
​Those who read this book will see the beauty, love, and speciality of our special needs children and adults. It is a must read for families whose lives have been affected by a disability. Part of the award-winning Grief Diaries series featuring true stories about real life experiences, Project Cold Case is a portable support group for people who have lost a loved one to an unsolved kidnapping or murder.

​Filled with answers to poignant questions, the stories invites readers into a world where they’re surrounded by warmth and compassion as they seek comfort and understanding in the aftermath of their own loss. An honor some authors receive is the invitation to participate in an anthology. An anthology is a collection of stories written by various authors. These are the four anthologies I've had the privilege to join. I receive no royalties from any of these books yet the benefits of each is unique and a collection of stories written from the heart to help others.

The fourth book I participated in releases in August of this year, 2019. Each book offered me the  opportunity to expand and go deeper yet I took the easy way out for three of them. Instead of writing a new submission for each, I used the same writing piece. The audience for each book was different and my emotional state didn't allow creative freedom. This is the life of a writer sometimes, sometimes the words and emotions role onto paper easier than others, the goal when invited to participate, if called to do it, is to have a submission to submit. 

If you are grieving a cold case or homicide, then you'll experience stories written by people who have, or are, living the pain you are. The newest book, releasing in August,  will offer comfort to an array of "survivors". More information about this book will be released in a future blog.

For parents, families, and caregivers of children with disabilities, then Sometimes the Wind Blows Sideways will encourage you with a variety of stories to instill hope and remind you of how special these kiddos are. Happy reading!
Potential Release Date for August 2019 This book is compiled of true stories about the forgotten victims of murder and suspicious deaths. The stories are written and shared by the surviving families of these victims.

​This is the second, published book that we have been fortunate enough to contribute towards. You will be able to pick up a copy of the new book very soon. Keep an eye out for the release publication date of this book in August, 2019. Another way to learn about my sister, Heidi Allen,
and how her kidnapping effected my life, as her only sister.

Guest Blogger: Mari McCarthy - Disconnect from Technology

A BIG thank you to Mari for this guest post on my blog... ​Unplugged: Tips for Disconnecting from Tech & Reconnecting with Yourself
 
We live in a world of constant connectivity. You’re never far from a device hooked up to emails, texts, social media feeds, news updates and an endless stream of information.
 
Technology is a wonderful gift. You can FaceTime with your family thousands of miles away or send an important work project to colleagues from your delayed train. But technology is also a distraction and a burden if you don’t allow yourself to disconnect.
 
Do you have difficulty sitting or standing still without checking your phone reflexively? Do you have a hard time focusing on the people around you because of tech interruptions? Is it a challenge for you to relax and unwind away from a screen?
 
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you could benefit from some unplugged time. Take a break from technology by testing out the following tips.  Set a Power-Down Time 
Every night, about 30 to 60 minutes before you go to bed, put away all of your devices. Close your laptop, stash your phone, turn off your TV. Set a recurring alarm to remind you when it’s time to power down. Use this half-hour or hour to do a relaxing activity you enjoy. Read, draw, write, work on a puzzle or play an instrument.  ​Weekly Digital Detox
Once a week, set aside a longer period of time for a digital detox, where you disengage from all technology. Start with a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.

If you like it, scale it up to all of Sunday. What do you want to do with all the time you would normally spend playing video games, watching Netflix or scrolling on your phone? What makes you feel happy, healthy and alive?

​Rediscover your interests and hobbies. Get out of the house and try something new. Go for a hike, check out a new café, meet up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.  Write It Out
Take a few minutes every day to write in your journal. Tune into your thoughts, desires, hopes and dreams. Ask yourself questions about the past, present and future. Record what you’re grateful for today. Use this time to unplug from external distractions and reconnect with yourself. 
Heal Your Self with Journaling Power reveals the inner strength and grace that comes through the proven therapeutic power of expressive writing. You’ll discover the life-changing magic of journaling through moving personal stories told by just a few of the thousands of people who have tapped into this highly-effective way to heal, grow, and transform your life. 

​The wisdom and lessons revealed in Heal Your Self with Journaling Power will help you mitigate existing health problems; manifest everything you desire; create a new life story for yourself; fill your life with uplifting positive energy; and fully leverage the power of journaling to solve your most pressing problems so you can live your best life. https://www.createwritenow.com/ ​Mari L. McCarthy’s international bestselling book, Journaling Power , started a movement. Now, Heal Your Self with Journaling Power is igniting a revolution!
You’ll discover the life-changing magic of journaling through moving personal stories told by just some of the thousands of people who have tapped into the proven therapeutic power of expressive writing.
These are people just like you, and their challenges are the same ones you have.
  Heal Your Self with Journaling Power reveals the inner strength and grace that comes with living your life in the present from the inside out. It will help you transform your life and…Manifest everything your desireFill you with uplifting positive energyPut you on a path to better health and wellnessGive you the inspiration and motivation to live your best lifeShow you how to use journaling to solve your most pressing problems June 17th
The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Stop by Women on Writing's blog The Muffin & read an interview with Mari McCarthy and win a copy of her book.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
​
June 18th
Karen Brown Tyson's Blog
Visit author Karen Brown Tyson's blog today where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post about why you might still be experiencing writer's block.
https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/

June 19th
Conversations Live with Cyrus Webb
Originally Aired June 12th @ 10:30 AM Cyrus Webb interviews Mari McCarthy of Create Write Now about her latest bestseller Heal Your Self With Journaling Power.
http://cyruswebb.com/category/conversations-live-radio/ 

June 20th
Look to the Western Sky
Visit Margo's blog today where you can catch her review of Mari McCarthy's incredible new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://margoldill.com/

June 22nd
Lapidus 
Visit Lapidus, words for well-being association, where you can read Francesca's review of Mari McCarthy's eye-opening book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. 
https://lapidus.org.uk/news

June 23rd
Life Like a Galaxy Girl
Stop by Alanna's blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy's new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. 
http://lifelikeagalaxygirl.com/

June 24th
Thoughts in Progress
Do you love the energy in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? Well, if you do, you will not want to miss today's post at the blog Thoughts in Progress where Mari McCarthy shares her tips on how to recreate the magic of NaNoWriMo in any month.
https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com

June 25th
Bev Baird's Blog
Make sure you stop by Bev's blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

June 26th
A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog today where she highlights Mari McCarthy's new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/

June 27th
The Frugalista Mom
Make sure to Rozelyn's blog and read her review of Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. Plus enter to win a copy for yourself!
https://thefrugalistamom.com/

June 29th
Coffee with Lacey
Grab your coffee and visit Lacey's blog today and read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's powerful new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://coffeewithlacey.com/

June 30th
Wild Woman Writer
Visit Anne's blog today where you can catch her review of Mari McCarthy's inspiring new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://wildwomanwriter2018.blogspot.com

July 1st
Choices
Visit Madeline's blog today and read Mari McCarthy's poignant guest post about our conversations with our inner critic and how to silence them.
http://madelinesharples.com/

July 1st
Writing Through Life
Be sure to stop by Amber's blog and read her interview with author Mari McCarthy and also enter to win a copy of the book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://writingthroughlife.com/

July 2nd
Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde
If you are in need of a new book in your life, make sure to stop by Lindsey's blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy's new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://russelllindsey.blog/

July 2nd
The Frugalista Mom
Stop by Rozelyn's blog again today where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post about why we procrastinate and how to avoid it.
https://thefrugalistamom.com/

July 3rd
The World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog today and catch her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/ ​July 5th
Bring on Lemons
Make lemons into lemonade today when you visit Crystal's blog today and read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

July 7th
One Sister's Journey Keeping it Real
Visit Lisa's blog today where you can read Mari's blog post about disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with yourself.
https://www.lisambuske.com/
​
July 8th
A Day in the Life of Mom Want to inspire your kids to journal? Visit Ashley's blog today and read Mari McCarthy's guest post featuring imaginative journaling activities to do with kids. 
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/

July 9th
Bev Baird's Blog
Visit Bev's blog again where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post about mindful journaling for mindful eating. Don't miss!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

July 9th Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde
Visit Lindsey's blog again where you can find out more about Mari McCarthy and her book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://russelllindsey.blog/
​
July 10th Lapidus
Join Francesca at Lapidus again where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post about why journaling is part of self-care.
https://lapidus.org.uk/news

July 10th
Look to the Western Sky
Make sure you visit Margo's blog again and read Mari McCarthy's guest post featuring more imaginative journaling activities you can do with your kids.
https://www.margoldill.com/

July 12th
Author Anthony Avina Blog
Stop by author Anthony Avina's blog today where you can read his review about Mari McCarthy's inspirational book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

July 12th
Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette's blog today where you can read her interview with author Mari McCarthy and also be sure to check out Mari McCarthy's guest post about journaling power for emotional health.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/

July 13th
A Day in the Life of Mom
Make sure your day today includes visiting Ashley's blog where you can read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's life-changing book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/
​
July 14th
Author Anthony Avina Blog
Do you rocrastinate too much? Well, visit Anthony Avina's blog again today where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post on how to use your favorite types of procrastination to your advantage.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

July 15th
Strength 4 Spouses
Do you like to journal? Stop by Wendi's blog today where author Mari McCarthy talks about journaling power for mental health. Don't miss it!
https://strength4spouses.blog/

July 16th
Reading Whale
Visit Caitlin's blog today and read her interview with Mari McCarthy as they talk about Mari's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://readingwhale.com/

July 17th
Michelle Cornish Blog
Stop by Michelle's blog where she reviews Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. You can also check out her interview with Mari and find out more about the author!
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

July 19th
Strength 4 Spouses
​Do you love journaling? Well if so, you will want to visit Wendi's blog where she shares her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's powerful book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://strength4spouses.blog/

July 19th
Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette's blog again where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/

July 21st
Jill Sheet's Blog
Visit Jill's blog today where you can read Mari McCarthy's blog post about overcoming writer's block. Don't miss this if you are struggling with staying inspired!
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/ Thanks again Mari for guesting on my blog ~ always a pleasure!

A Book Review: Papa's Shoes by Madeline Sharples

Banged-Up Heart is an intimate and clear-eyed account of finding love late and losing it early—and of the strength it takes to fall deeply in love a second time, be forced to relinquish that love too soon, and yet choose to love again. 

When her husband of thirty years dies suddenly, Shirley Melis is convinced she will never find another man like Joe. Then she meets John, a younger man who tells her during their first conversation that he has lived for many years with a rare but manageable cancer.

​She is swept off her feet in a whirlwind courtship, and within months, made brave by the early death of a friend’s husband, she asks him to marry her! What follows is a year-long odyssey of travel and a growing erotic and creative partnership— until a mysterious bump on John’s forehead proves to be one of several tumors in his brain and spine. 

The nine months that follow are filled with a life-threatening infection, three brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. Two years and one week after their wedding, John dies at the age of fifty-nine. More than just a love story or a memoir of mourning, Banged-Up Heartcomes down solidly on the side of life. It takes you deep inside an ordinary woman, her deeply felt grief butting up against her desire for more than companionship: passion, sexual fulfillment, and self-realization.

It bears eloquent witness to the wild trust it takes to fall madly in love and risk profound loss—a second time. Ultimately, it shows that it is possible to dance with a banged-up heart. Madeline co-authored Blue-Collar Women: Trailblazing Women Take on Men-Only Jobs, co-edited the poetry anthology, The Great American Poetry Show, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, and wrote the poems for two photography books, The Emerging Goddess and Intimacy.

Her poems have also appeared online and in print magazines, e.g., in the 2016 Porter Gulch Review, Yellow Chair’s In the Words of Womyn 2016 anthology, Story Circle Network’s journals and anthologies, the Best of Poetry Salon 2013-2018, and the Vine Leaves Literary Journal: a Collection of Vignettes from Across the Globe, 2017. 

​And her articles have appeared in the Huffington Post, Naturally Savvy, Aging Bodies, PsychAlive, Story Circle Network’s HerStories and One Woman’s Day blogs, and the Memoir Network blog. One of Madeline’s essays has also appeared in the My Gutsy Story Anthology by Sonia Marsh. 
 
Madeline also co-edited Volumes 1 and 2 of The Great American Poetry Show, a poetry anthology, and wrote the poems for two books of photography, The Emerging Goddess and. Besides having many poems published in print and online magazines, writes regularly for Naturally Savvy, and occasionally for PsychAlive, Open to Hope,and Journeys Through Grief and The Huffington Post. Visit Madeline's Website: http://madelinesharples.com/
On Twitter: Click Here
On Facebook: Click Here
My Review of Papa's Shoes... Oh my goodness, I enjoyed reading this book so much. The story line starts with Ira, father & husband, and his journey of leaving Poland to make a life for his family in the United States of America. Once in America, as he is saving money to bring his wife and sons to join him, he receives news that all but one son died of the plague. Ugh!

He returns and takes care of business then returns to America with his wife left to raise their remaining son and the baby on the way. Ruth, his wife, mails a pink string to Ira once Ava is born. When enough funds allow, Ira sends for Ruth, Charlie (their oldest son), and Ava. This is when the story shifts from one of Ira and Ruth to that of Charlie and Ava adjusting to their life as Jewish Immigrants and their parents old ways and religion while embracing the new and mixed views of living in America.

You watch Charlie and Ava grow up and as the book concludes, Ira and Ruth come to major realizations and their children need to make decisions that will impact their relationships with each other and their parents. The life of an immigrant isn't easy, especially in the 20's when mixing religions was not accepted as it is today. I enjoyed the ending and it required a tissue. Love wins...this is all I'll reveal.
Other Blogs You Can Visit Talking About Papa's Shoes June 4th @ Coffee with Lacey
The lovely Lacey reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples and shares her review with readers at Coffee with Lacey. This is a blog stop and review readers won't want to miss!
https://coffeewithlacey.com/
 
June 5th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Lisa Haselton interviews well known author and memoirist Madeline Sharples about her latest novel "Papa's Shoes" - the story of a Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America. This insightful interview is one you won't want to miss!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
 
June 6th @ Beverley A. Baird
Beverley A. Baird shares her thoughts after reading the touching story of a Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America - "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples is a book that is sure to please readers!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
 
June 7th @ Linda Neas
Today's guest author at Words from the Heart with Linda Neas is none other than well-known author and memoirist Madeline Sharples. Today, her guest post is titled "How I reinvented myself from a technical writer and editor to a creative writer – and at my
age." Heart from Madeline and learn more about her latest novel "Papa's Shoes"! 
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
 
June 12th @ Linda Neas
Last week, readers at Words from the Heart with Linda Neas read a guest post penned by Author Madeline Sharples and today, Linda will share her review of Madeline's latest novel "Papa's Shoes". This is a blog stop you won't want to bypass!
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
 
June 18th @ Selling Books with Cathy Stucker
Cathy Stucker interviews Madeline Sharples at Selling Books. Readers will flock to learn more about Sharples and her latest novel "Papa's Shoes".
https://www.sellingbooks.com/ ​June 26th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Fellow author and memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro shares her review of "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples. Don't miss Linda's insight into this touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they move to America!
http://applemanshapiro.com/category/book-reviews/

June 27th @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles reviews the latest best selling novel "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples - readers will delight to hear what Nicole thinks of this crowd pleasing story of one Polish shoemaker and his family!
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/
​
June 28th @ Deal Sharing Aunt / Vicki Brinius
Vicky Brinius reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples. Find out how she feels after reading this touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America.
http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/
 
July 2nd @Author Anthony Avina
Fellow author Anthony Avina reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples - this is a touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settled in America.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
 
July 2nd @ Amanda Sanders
Amanda of Amanda Diaries reviews Madeline Sharples latest novel "Papa's Shoes" - read Amanda's review and add this lovely story to your TBR pile today!
https://amandadiaries.com/
July 4th @ Author Anthony Avina 
Readers at Anthony Avina's blog will delight with today's guest post and author interview with Madeline Sharples - learn more about her and her latest work!
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
 
July 5th @ Lisa Buske
Lisa Buske shares her review of "Papa's Shoes" - the latest novel by Madeline Sharples and a touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America.
https://www.lisambuske.com/
August 12th @ Kathleen Pooler’s Memoir Writer’s Journey
Readers and writers alike will want to stop by Memoir Writer’s Journey to hear from Kathleen Pooler and friend / fellow author Madeline Sharples as they discuss Madeline’s latest book “Papa’s Shoes”.
https://krpooler.com Thanks for taking time to learn
about Papa's Shoes & Madeline Sharples

Are you looking for an AVON Representative? Look no further...

Order online and have it delivered to your door!https://www.youravon.com/lbuskeWe didn't celebrate the 4th of July with family or friends this year. Instead we got groceries, ran errands, visited the thrift store, and BBQ'd hot dogs on the grill. A quiet holiday at home for the most part, a very nice change. 

Since I was chilling at home I decided to do a live FB video and apply Avon makeup to half my face so you can see the difference with and without my ten-minute face. My lighting isn't the best but I think you'll get the gist and see the benefits of Avon.

On the FB post, I also included links to each of the products I used. For your convenience, the links are included in this blog too. Most of the items are on sale when this blog went live on July 4, 2019.

​Anew Eye Lift Duo 

Anew Clinical Absolute Even Dark Circle Corrector

Avon Make Up Setting Spray 
 
Avon True Color Crème Concealer
 
Avon True Color Dazzle Drops
 
Avon True Color Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation
(I used the soft ivory today)
 
Avon True Color Glimmerstick
​(I use majestic plum)Avon Glimmer Liquid Eyeshadow 
 
Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad
(I used “purple haze”)

Avon Wash-off Waterproof Mascara

Avon True Color Bronzing Pearls 

2-IN-1 Lip Tattoo – use the code 

Eye make up remover lotion  
​
​ Anew Clean: Illuminating Rich Cleansing Foam I use this in the shower - only need a dime amount or less
If you'd like to earn FREE Avon you can sign up as an Independent Representative yourself. It's like ordering for yourself online but you receive more of the savings and can sell to others to increase your rewards and benefits. Click here to sign up today.https://www.youravon.com/lbuske

Guest Post by Georgia Varjas - "How We Create Our Own Obstacles"

The Rule Breaker’s Guide to Step Up & Stand Out is a potent book that seeks to shine a light directly on the external obstacles, and the inner voice, which deeply prevent us from Stepping Up and Standing Out, and achieving our optimum. The main themes of the book are the three Cs: Confidence, Courage and Creativity.

Georgia's definition of performance, after decades in the world of show business: "it is clear performance means the way you express yourself to the world. It is your choice of words, style and movement. It is your decision to design the shape, shade and colour of your entry into any type of work you want to do."

If you're a rebel through and through, or need some guidance and encouragement to find your rebellious streak, if you want to question the status quo, reach further, smash through the glass ceiling, speak and be heard...The Rule Breaker's Guide is the book for you!
​
Georgia Varjas shares her wisdom, wins and woes to shine a light on how the rules can hold us back, keep us small, and shut us up... and how to change that destructive pattern. With a combination of story and sass, Georgia shows us how to be in total control of our own lives, to show up, step up and stand out. Now to hear from Georgia herself...  -It is your right to question everything -

 I believe we are all born with some talent or creative genius. It may be a gift you have tingling in your soul to sing, paint or write. Perhaps, it is to communicate and lead, or it could be to mend, fix or repair, even care, love and give. But I do believe we all have natural abilities. And, I am also aware of how we ourselves down-grade and conceal our natural gifts and talents.

From an early age, codes, regulations and laws hold us back and keep us trapped in low esteem jobs and painful relationships, while filling our heads with complexes and inhibitions. We end up hiding our natural talents, playing small and denying our skills.

I know I have played small when in reality I had enough competence and experience to complete the task. But I held my self back because I was thinking about what others would think or what if they said something or all that absolute made-up nonsense - basically creating my own diversions and obstacles.
​
And the worst part about it all, I had created such a negative mindset I couldn’t perform to my best ability. I couldn’t show up as a talented person. I actually lowered my standards as a result.
Remember a parent or teacher telling you not to sing because your voice sounded terrible?

Or the professor or trainer who dampened your imagination to write stories, play sports or take up a musical instrument? Or a boss, educator, a person in authority who dismissed you because you didn’t “fit” in according to their rules of race, creed or gender?

These discouragements, these put downs and subversive rules can stop us from developing and achieving what we want for our life.
 But we have choices and opportunities - and we can create them.
We need to stop in our tracks and make note of all those Rules that are not serving us any more. It is about making smart decisions but also acting on them.

Ask yourself, how many times have you made a decision but not acted on it? It often happens, followed by an amazing array of reasons and excuses! We have to learn to prioritise laying out all those things we would love to do - fancy trying - are prepared to give a go or even another go.

Make that list. Take courage, lean on your confidence and bring out your competency. Use your natural skills to overcome those road blocks, brick walls or glass ceilings and honestly love yourself a bit more!

Don’t use your smartness or experience to increase the barriers you live behind. Or the protective bubbles you sit in.

Ask yourself daily: How are you doing with all your dreams, goals and desires? And are they coming together?

It is up to you to pay attention and then act upon those obstacles you  have prolonged in your system for too long.

So even if life is not easy right now - remember life is beautiful. Yes, it takes Confidence and Courage to Step Up & Stand Out - Make Decisions and Act Upon them.

Turn to your voice and pen, they are your most powerful weapons of construction!
 
- Don't hold back - release that genius energy -
Georgia Varjas June 2019  Thank you Georgia for guest blogging on my blog...
I hope many will check out your book.

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Order Your Address Book Today

Finally an address book with enough space to hold all your family, friends, and neighbors in one location.

​Each letter of the alphabet has 4 -6 pages, with twelve spots to list addresses on, and if you already have your addresses on the computer then you can print them onto a 3 x 10 label and just stick them in. Easy!

This is another book I created for myself and as I shared it with friends, they encouraged me to make it available for sale because of its ease and being able to just "stick" in addresses. I used my favorite photos from the four seasons.

​It wasn't until the release on Facebook that I realized three of the four are of the sun. I do enjoy a beautiful sunrise and sunset, this shows in my cover selection. The summer one has one of my favorite flowers and brings a smile to my face because I remember the day I took this photo with my Mom sitting on the buggy giving me pointers on where to stand and squat and move to get just the right picture.
Click on any of the cover photos for a direct link to Amazon. I hope you'll leave a review on Amazon
to help others know the value
​in purchasing this address book...​