Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 34

T.O.P.’s Tuesday: Found a New Inspirational Writing Spot

I’m a happy writer today. Through a different writing activity, I found a place to write that won’t break the bank or require me to buy beverages or food I don’t need, is close-ish to home, is secure, and offers unlimited inspiration AND limited interruptions. I’m so excited, it has been awhile since I looked forward to packing up my writing and hitting the road.

Some authors work well at home because they have an office or room to work. Our house is just the right size for us yet isn’t big enough for an office where I can escape the to-do-lists, piles, and pets. I used to go to my parents’ house, the public library, DD, or a café. I think this is part of my struggle, to leave the house to write reminds me of my Mom and triggers those bittersweet memories. When I’m working on a book, or serious writing, I prefer minimal to no distraction so “public” doesn’t always prove beneficial. I’m easily distracted, true story.

Last week as I spent a few hours helping other people write their stories I found a writing get-away. I look forward to hearing the tap, tap, tap, on the keyboard more often and see the chapters start building. At our annual Bishop Cunningham/Oswego Catholic Reunion I had a woman join us at our table. She shared how she attended the Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey book release and followed my writing. She asked about the next book and when could she expect the next book. This encouraged me more than she realized, then God highlighted this great writing environment the following week. I love it when things work out like this, don’t you? Some people call they God Stops, but my friend Shari introduced me to the notion of “Shoulder Taps” from God. I love that.

To follow through with God’s tapping on my shoulder, I’m adding “Book writing” onto the schedule for now on once I can coordinate usage at my new-found writer’s getaway.  How has God tapped you on the shoulder lately?

The Saying Is True....

If you are a regular reader or listener then you’ll recognize this, “So goes Monday, so goes the week.”, right? This past Monday was a productive, yet relaxing day and I prayed the week would continue in the same manner. We survived our last week of Summer School. I must say the heat and humidity was tolerable for most of the three weeks and the AC units the district placed in our classrooms kept the “high heat index days” manageable so the kiddos and teacher didn’t melt.

To wear a Kindergarten teacher’s hat was an honor and I hope the kids learned, had fun, and looked forward to coming each day. I know this past week they were exhausted and ready for a break, I could relate. When I found myself counting down the days I reminded myself there are many districts who don’t have funding for summer school. This helped keep me grounded. Our school district is one of the lower socio-economic districts for our state, so summer school offers an opportunity for our students to not only continue their education, but they also received two meals a day, at not cost to their families. These are great blessings to count.

I organized some drawers and piles this week too. This gives such a sense of accomplishment but of course no one else notices because it was a hidden mess, BUT I know they’re clean now. As I baked during the week I decided my kitchen drawers need a good organizing, so they are on my August to-do-list, unless I forget. This is a good possibility. Out of sight, out of mind, right?!
​
I did pretty good this week with achieving my blogging, podcasting, and exercise goals. I’m proud of myself. The area I struggled the most with was my exercise, so it will be my priority looking ahead. I did better about get enough sleep and eating healthier, but I didn’t get all my core and cardio workouts in that I wanted. I walked but I don’t count those, walking is a bonus. How was your week? Leave me a comment to let me know…
​Catch you Next Tuesday!

Book Review: Meet Welcome WOW Visitors

About the Book ​Dear Tom, 
I'm back on Anna Maria Island... missing you.
But walking down these beautiful beaches reminds me of us and makes
me feel a little less far away from you. And that encourages me as I am writing our story.
Hopefully this will help other people who are feeling our pain too.
I love and miss you every day, darling.
Love, 
Me

When he first saw me, Tom said that he would spend the rest of his life with me. To my surprise, he actually did. He was the love of my life. We shared a story that felt like a dream. Every moment was an adventure... and then Tom became ill. As his mysterious symptoms persisted we were hurtled through a maze of fear, tests, doubts and sorrow. But while doctors toyed with diagnoses--Lyme disease, ALS--we filled each day with joy, hope, good food, wine, music and travel. Even when death came to crush our storybook romance, we found that the human spirit is greater than the frailties of the body, greater than suffering and grief.

From the fateful tick bite on Block Island to central nervous system failure, to healing my grief and loss, I stayed afloat, upbeat, and connected to Tom through devotion, true love, and by donning my own special pair of rose-colored glasses.

Paperback:  288 Pages
Publisher:  WiDO Publishing (May 29th 2018)
Genre: Memoir
ISBN-10: 1947966049
ISBN-13: 978-1947966048 My Review I sandwiched my review between an excerpt from Jo Ann Simon's memoir, Rose Colored Glasses, so you would focus on Jo Ann and her amazing story. It has been too long since I've had a guest blogger or joined a blog tour yet when I saw this memoir I knew it was time to invite a fellow author to visit and start reviewing books again. To review a book is a win for all involved. First, it benefits the author because they are able to reach readers they may never cross paths with and second, as the reviewer, I typically receive a free e-book to read and review. I follow the WOW! Women on Writing website and they have a wealth of information. To join the blog tour (all stops listed below) means WOW also gets more visitors and more people are exposed to my website, even if it's only to check out this review. Blog tours are fun and and I meet so many people. I'm glad to be back at it, and to say Jo Ann's book is a perfect book to motivate me, is an understatement.

Jo Ann writes as if she is sitting in a comfy chair on the porch over looking Block Island. I feel as if I'm sipping tea and listening as she details a heart breaking love story. I'm not reading through the book as quickly as I thought because Jo Ann's word pictures and details captivate me. I find myself smiling, laughing, looking, and listening. I'm not going to share any more details from the story than above because this truly is a story of loss, love, hope, and renewal. It's one to be experienced first hand and you won't regret it. I'll finish it this weekend and look forward to reading it while sitting on my deck or I might even drive to Lake Ontario and sit where I can smell the lake's air and hear the waves. I'm thinking I might need a tissue or two but not a box, this is a good read. Kudos to you Jo Ann for sharing your journey and strength with all of us. You are an encouragement to your readers!
Meet The Author About Jo Ann Simon

Jo Ann Simon, a corporate executive, is a lifelong nutmegger, living in various locations in the Nutmeg state of Connecticut. She is a constant traveler, exploring the world including her favorite country, Italy. When she is not traveling, Jo Ann loves spending time with her family, friends and her seven grandchildren. Her day job running a company, painting fine art, gardening and writing fill in the blanks of her life. Palm trees are essential in her personal landscape with beaches to match.  Ways to Connect with Jo Ann Website: https://www.joann-simon.com/

Blog: https://forgetmenotjosi.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgetmenotjosi/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForgetMeNotJoSi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannsimonauthorpage/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-ann-simon-27626518/ Visit Other Blogs about Jo Ann and Her New Release By Visiting... Monday, July 23rd @ The Muffin
Author Interview and Giveaway!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2018/07/rose-colored-glasses-by-jo-ann-simon.html

Tuesday, July 24th @ JoAnn Simon
Crystal Casavant-Otto reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon - don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Jo Ann's touching memoir.
https://forgetmenotjosi.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, July 25th @ Bring on Lemons with Michelle DelPonte
Wisconsin mother, wife, and autism advocate Michelle DelPonte reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon and shares her thoughts with readers at Bring on Lemons. This is an unforgettable memoir!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Thursday, July 26th @ Beverley Baird
Beverley Baird reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon. This touching memoir is one readers won't soon forget! You'll want to add this one to your #TBRPile today!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

Friday, July 27th @ Choices
The readers at Madeline Sharples blog, Choices, are in for a special treat today as Jo Ann Simon pens the guest post "Seeing Art Through the Artist's Eye". Readers can enjoy this post while also learning about Simon's memoir Rose Colored Glasses recently published by WiDO Publishing.
http://madelinesharples.com/

Monday, July 30th @ Selling Books with Cathy Stucker
Cathy Stucker interview Jo Ann Simon about her recently published memoir Rose Colored Glasses
https://www.sellingbooks.com/

Tuesday, July 31st @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles reviews Rose Colored Glasses by JoAnn Simon and shares her thoughts with readers at World of My Imagination. Don't miss a chance to learn about this memoir of love and loss.
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 2nd @ Memoir Writer's Journey
Today's post at Memoir Writer's Journey includes a guest post titled "Simplicity in Life" written by Jo Ann Simon. There is also a link to Kathleen Pooler's review of Simon's recently published memoir Rose Colored Glasses. Readers won't want to miss this opportunity to learn more about Simon and her lovely memoir.
https://krpooler.com/

Friday, August 3rd @ One Sister's Journey
Lisa takes shares how Jo Ann Simon's book is a perfect "come back" book for having books tour on her blog.
https://www.lisambuske.com/blog.html

Tuesday, August 7th @ Bring on Lemons
Today's author spotlight at Bring on Lemons is Jo Ann Simon featuring her recently published memoir Rose Colored Glasses. Don't miss a chance to learn about Simon and check out Crystal's review of this touching memoir.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 8th @ Lisa Haselton
Lisa Haselton interviews JoAnn Simon about her memoir Rose Colored Glasses (and more)!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 8th @ Margo Dill
Today's guest author is Jo Ann Simon of Rose Colored Glasses - and today's topic is "A Positive Attitude". Don't miss this blog stop!
http://margodill.com/blog/

Monday, August 13th @ Write Happy
Catherine Brown reviews Rose Colored Glasses a touching memoir by JoAnn Simon.
https://www.writehappy.net/blog

Monday, August 13th @ Coffee with Lacey
Lacey reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about this inspirational memoir about love, loss, and hope!
https://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com/

Thursday, August 16th @ Ellen Valladares
Fellow author Ellen Valladares reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon.
https://ellenvalladares.com/

Wednesday, August 22nd @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Fellow memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro shares her thoughts after reading Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon.
http://applemanshapiro.com/category/book-reviews/

Thursday, August 23rd @ Bring on Lemons with Cathy Hansen
Wisconsin educator, mother, and business owner Cathy Hansen reviews the memoir Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ A special thanks To WOW and Jo Ann for stopping by today!

How Are You Doing? Achieving Your Goals?

Last week on the podcast we revisited the goals we set back in May and June. It is always a good idea to revisit your goals to celebrate successes and modify areas of weakness. As I posted this new calendar, aka, chart on the bathroom door I realized I NEED to see my exercise goals too. 

It's important to remember when setting goals, set reasonable and achievable goals and have your plan and monitoring chart visible. About the only place in our house I find help is on the outside of the bathroom door. It's an area I see often as it's in the center of the house an I can stare at it when I'm having my coffee in the morning, a daily reminder and motivation to stay the course.
Rather than having a second chart and finding a second location, I adapted the social media goals to include my exercise. It is working, I started this Monday and so far it's working pretty good. Our daughter was home on Tuesday for her birthday dinner and to chillax but never commented, she's so used to me and my visual aids that she probably didn't even notice. 

I haven't done a cardio workout, except walking, but my hope is to start an actual workout tape a few times a week but for now, as long as summer school is in session, the morning walks will have to count. The goal is to establish routines I can maintain regardless of my schedule, hours worked, or life's happenings...healthy and balanced life is a must. I'm not giving up and when I need to make modifications, I will.
How are you doing with your goals?
Do you need to make a modification or two?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: A New Website Design

marries Last week on the podcast I announced an updated look to my website. Prior to posting this blog, the updated website went live. What do you think?

I typically use the anniversary of my sister's kidnapping as the motivation to give my website a "facelift" yet I wasn't feeling it in the Spring and couldn't decide on what "look" I wanted.

Since starting the podcast in May of this year, the inspiration and motivation to share with you continues to increase. God has been working through a variety of events, Facebook posts, Tweets, and cherished friends and family. Some reading this are noticing the directional change, a closer focus and relationship with God. After my Mom's passing, although it was three years ago, I haven't been able to get my groove and routine back.

BUT this was the stumbling block, at least I think so. The loss of a parent is a loss unlike any other and I'll never have that same groove and routine. Once I realized (and accepted) this, it's been a slow and joyful journey forward, one day at a time. I might not be where I was spiritually or mentally prior to my mom's passing but I'm a step closer each day and carving out a new norm and new routines. This realization makes the change easier to accept and more fun to share with all of you.

I'm hoping the new website design will help marry my blog to the podcast and visa versa. They are two different entities, usually talking about different things yet at times, they are a continuation of something shared from one social media platform into the other. I hope you like it ~ take a look around and check out the new look. 

On Wednesday I'll share my tentative schedule for the remainder of the summer and into the new school year. 
Thank you for reading, listening, and following...
I hope you are encouraged and inspired!

T.O.P.'S Tuesday: A New Way to Listen to My Podcast

Hello everyone! How are you doing? I've missed sharing with you via the blog yet I'm trying to find a healthy balance between being a good wife, mom, and daughter; work (that pays the bills); work (to write the next book); blogging; podcasting; writing to write; reading; preparing for our next ladies' Bible Study, volunteering, and the little things I've probably forgotten, or the things I'm avoiding (like cleaning my house, lol).

To keep it real, in the summer, it's easy to manage and get it all the done yet when the two weeks before school starts I struggle to juggle it all. With my A-type, first-born, mentality, I want to do it all and do it to the best of my ability so rather than let someone else down (a strength and weakness), I'll neglect sleep, eating properly, and doing the things I enjoy and bring me relaxation in order to get-r-done. 

I share this with you and ask your patience as I find a healthy spiritual, physical, and mental balance. Everything on my plate is a choice and something I enjoy so it's hard to choose. Rather than choose, I'm working to establish a balance that can be maintained from the end of August through June, not just for a few short weeks. You understanding and patience is appreciated. 

For those following the podcast, thank you for your encouragement and inspiration. I continue to be amazed at the way God uses technology for His good. I didn't podcast today as I'm balancing teaching, getting my exercise, sleep, and absorbing as much "free" reading as I can. As I ease into the latter part of my forties, it's time to set healthier priorities and possibly, quite possibly, starting saying no a little more so we (my family & friends) can have more relaxing time together. I hope this make sense. In a nutshell,
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING AND READING!!
Thank you for encouraging and inspiring me! Thank you for listening and sharing
​with your friends and family!

Looking Forward...July 2018

It's a great week to look forward, set some summer goals, and prepare for the start of summer school next week. Why wait for tomorrow, today is here and today is a gift. 

I set some writing goals back in January and let me just say...I failed miserably. Although I failed and am no where reaching the goals, even toady, I'm choosing to look forward and set a renewed goal rather than dwell on the lack of reaching the first goal. 

Here's the deal, I wasn't emotionally or spiritually ready to accomplish the goal I set. I think I knew this back in January but hoped I could prove myself wrong. As I look forward I plan to set a SMARTer goal. 

Have you ever set goals and failed? If so, did you give up and throw in the towel or reassess and set a new and more attainable goal? I've done both but for my writing goals, today I choose to reassess and set a new and attainable goal.

As I reflect back, I wasn't working on the "writing" BUT I was sorting, sifting, and working through much that needed to be done before the actual art and act of writing could begin.

Today I choose to celebrate...I celebrate the ability to move forward today!!
What can you choose to celebrate today?

Happy 4th of July 2018

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

It is beautiful, sunny, and a perfect day for a picnic. Remember your sunscreen, drink a lot of water,
and make memories.

I plan to spend most of the day at home reading a good book catching up on things to do,
and enjoying time with our daughter
who is home for 24 hours from college.

​I shared of the following poem, Jesus on the Fourth of July , written by Marilyn Ferguson, on this morning’s podcast, click here to listen,
​
I encourage you to read this beautiful poem and let her know how great it is.
I included her email and if you click on the title of the poem, there is a direct link to her page.

Thank you Marilyn for sharing your gift of writing with all of us and reminding us that the Fourth of July is about so many freedoms, even greater than those we can see today. Jesus on the 4th of July
​by Copyright © Marilyn Ferguson
2003 ferguson@adams.net
​

We gather 'round to celebrate
On Independence Day
Pay homage to our country
As the children run and play.

With barbecues and picnics
And fireworks in the air
The flag we own is proudly flown
To show how much we care.

The stars and stripes spell freedom
She waves upon the breeze
While bursts of colors can be seen
Above the towering trees.

This is all quite wonderful
We revel in delight
But God above in divine love
Has brought this day to light.

With just a stroke of liberty
A touch of His great hand
He gave democracy to us
And helped this country stand.

The stripes upon our stately flag
Were touched by His sweet grace
Each star of white that shines so bright
Reflects His loving face.

So as you turn to face the flag
For battles that were fought
Be filled with pride for those who died
And freedoms that were bought.

But don't forget to thank the One
That gives the bright display
The reason why we paint the sky
On Independence Day

Copyright © Marilyn Ferguson 2003
ferguson@adams.net
Happy Independence Day! make some memories and enjoy your family and friends today!
Feel free to give me a call via the podcast or leave a message or comment below.

Thank you for listening, reading, and sharing with your friends and family. I appreciate each of you.

A Night at the Ball Field

wrapped up the afte Noon.Day two in Florida and Day One of summer vacation, a fun and memorable day. We walked the “Lake Tradition Loop” with Ed’s brother and his nephews two boys. It was great! In addition to getting some exercise, God showered us and even offered wind and sideways rain as if we were on a water ride. The boys laughed, we laughed, and enjoyed the puddle jumping. We postponed the rest of the day’s plans so we could go back to the house and change in to dry clothes.

After drying off, eating lunch, and letting the baby nap a bit...we went for ice cream. Yes, again! Hubby’s sugar was higher than it’s been in a month so we scheduled ice cream for earlier in the day. A trip to Target to spoil the nephews wrapped up the afternoon.

We enjoyed the central air, kid’s songs and dancing, and wore the kiddos out. Our nephews beautiful and fabulous wife finally took a nap and let us take care of their oldest boy. While she napped, I made dinner. It felt good to “earn my keep”, lol, seriously they are spoiling us and it was a joy to do something to show our appreciation.

the perfect ending to the day...baseball!! What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting family?

A Much Needed Vacation

This trip has been a "discussion" for years and last fall became more of a focused thought. We started saving money, just in case. A few months ago, this became a reality and the planning, saving, and anticipation were in full swing. It was the first graduation I've missed in years and worth it. 

Hubby and I have fun stories to tell about the journey from New York to Florida and have made so many memories in just a couple days, we are ever so grateful and blessed. We will enjoy time with family in Florida until the wee hours of Wednesday morning and then we start our trek to Indiana to visit more family. We decided this was the perfect way to celebrate twenty-five years of marriage (not until the end of August but with our calendars, this was the only time we could go together, lol). 

Without family we wouldn't be the couple we are. We are grateful for the hospitality, love, and laughter we are enjoying while away from home. The only thing missing is our girl but times are a changing and she's growing up. We are grateful for her drive and determination to work and take summer classes, we are hoping to plan a get-away with her this summer, even if only for a day or two.

I just wanted to say Hi and let you know we are okay, just taking some much needed time to recharge. While I might not be blogging everyday, you can catch me on the airwaves, via my podcast. Hubby and I made one together Friday night/early Saturday morning when we couldn't find a hotel room. Too funny. See you soon!
When was your last vacation?