Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 35

Will you take 5 minutes out of your day to write a review on Amazon.com?

Have you ever had an author ask you to write a book review after reading their book? I know I have and until I became an author myself, I underestimated the importance of taking five minutes to write a quick review. I've learned over the past few years that when people leave reviews on Amazon.com for my book, it automatically improves the books ratings and once an author receives twenty-five reviews, Amazon actually will share the book for the author as a thank you. I think this is pretty cool but since I've only "heard it", I thought I'd test the theory.

Will you help me? Let's see if Amazon shares a book after 25 reviews...

This is where you come in, will you review one of my books? ​Where's Heidi? One Sister's JourneyWhen the Waves Subside: There is HopeNo More Pain: I Can Fly
Encourage Others, One Word at a Time (keeps track of dates to send cards)Stay Connected Address Books (4 different cover designs, same great insides)You are a RAINBOWFaith's Feather PenGoal Setting for a Renewed You#OSJ Writers' Wednesday (writers journal) Things you can include in your book review:
Title and Author
Synopsis of the book without giving away the punch line and ending
Your favorite part of the book and why
Who you think should read this book Visit my author page here, after you log in, you can start writing reviews for my books. 
Thank you so much, you are helping future readers know if this is the book for them.
Thank you in advance
for leaving a review
for one, or all of my books.

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: And the Wait Continues

A couple weeks ago we enjoyed time with other families of missing and exploited children.
Most are familiar with the Ride for Missing Children and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children  and the many positive ways they impact their communities and beyond. A few of the blessings and missions they coordinate are: "Funds raised support the missing children poster distribution and community education.

The posters are sent out for targeted
distribution of missing children
to aid in their search and recovery.

The local office is the only geographically
targeted poster distribution center
in the United States and posters
are sent to saturate locations
carefully chosen where
children and abductors might be found.

Approximately 10,000 to 17,000 posters
are sent out for 7 to 12 missing children
in one week’s time from the office."

https://www.therideformissingchildren.com/faq/​ 

The mission of NCMEC includes:Serving as a clearinghouse of information about missing and exploited childrenOperating a CyberTipline that the public may use to report Internet-related child sexual exploitationProviding technical assistance to individuals and law enforcement agencies in the prevention, investigation, prosecution and treatment of cases involving missing and exploited childrenAssisting the U.S. Department of State in certain cases of international child abduction in accordance with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child AbductionOffering training programs to law enforcement and social service professionalsDistributing photographs and descriptions of missing children worldwideCoordinating child protection efforts with the private sectorNetworking with non profit service provides and state clearinghouses about missing person casesProviding information about effective state legislation to help ensure the protection of children
https://www.therideformissingchildren.com/about/the-center/
This in itself is amazing and such a blessing. The educational aspect spring boarding from the Ride for Missing Children is one of my favorite aspects. The schools in the area of the ride benefit the most but YOUR SCHOOL can benefit too.

Part of the proceeds from the ride are dedicated to providing educational programming in schools. Children have been saved because of the lessons they learned during these presentations. Personally, school districts who don't take advantage of this FREE programming to educate and inform their students, parents, families, and communities is just plain silly. In the day and age of increasing costs and potential dangers for our children, it only makes sense that we utilize our resources wisely to educate and keep our kids safe?! Right!? I thought you'd agree.

If you'd like to have the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children visit your school district, contact your Board of Education, Superintendent, and/or Building Principals. Every district operates differently so follow your chain of commands. Let your PTA know about it too, parents get things done, especially when they have the chance to educate their children from professionally trained staff. It's a Win-Win.

Below are a few of the contacts to help you bring the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to your home school district, community center, and events. They even do open houses. 
NEW YORK
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
New York Regional Office
275 Lake Avenue
Rochester, NY 14608-1042
Phone: 585-242-0900
Fax: 585-242-0717

Satellite Offices
NCMEC/New York/Buffalo
Suite 210
610 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202-1900
Phone: 716-842-6333
Fax: 716-842-6334

NCMEC/Capital Region
359 Ballston Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-4723
Phone: 518-812-6833
Fax: 518-584-9863

NCMEC/New York/Mohawk Valley
934 York Street
Utica, NY 13502-3930
Phone: 315-732-7233
Fax: 315-624-7134

NCMEC/New York/Metro NYC
10-40 Borden Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 718-222-5888

​ FLORIDA
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Florida Regional Office
9176 Alternate A1A
Lake Park, FL 33403-1444
Phone: 561-848-1900
Fax: 561-848-0308
flbranch@ncmec.org

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® has regional offices in
Lake Park, Fla.; Tustin, Calif.;
Austin, Texas, and Rochester, N.Y.
These offices provide child safety
education and prevention
programs to local communities,
as well as case management services on missing and exploited children cases.

MAIN BRANCH OFFICE
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®
Charles B. Wang International Children's Building
699 Prince Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3175 USA

24-hour call center: 
1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

Phone: 703-224-2150
Fax: 703-224-2122
To report child sexual exploitation use our CyberTipline®.
To report information about a missing child call 
1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) .


TEXAS
Main Office
8668 Spicewood Springs Rd., Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78759
United States
North Texas Office
2904 Floyd Street, Suite B
Dallas, TX 75204
United States
T: (512) 465-2156
E: NCMEC_Texas@ncmec.org

Spread the word and let your schools know, 
they can schedule for the 2018-19 school years!
http://api.missingkids.org/Home

Enjoying the Beauty of Hard Work

Happy Monday everyone! I hope your week is off to a great start. It's a little chilly in Upstate NY this morning. I could see my breath at 5 a.m. when I took the dogs out!!! Unreal, I'm ready to wake up and take the dogs out without a jacket on. On the flip side, it could be hot and humid at 5 a.m. so I should probably be careful what I wish for, right?

We spent our weekend working on the lawn, among other things. I wasn't supposed to be home this weekend so it was a gift of time. We had things we'd RSVP'd that we couldn't attend and rather than mope about because we couldn't be at a couple special events, we made the best of it and enjoyed time together. The we I'm referencing is my husband, Ed, and I, and the pets of course, we can't forget them.

The lawn work isn't done (is it ever really done) but we made a huge dent. I included a couple pictures for your enjoyment. They aren't the best pics, I should have taken them when the sun was out instead of at 5 a.m. this morning but then the blog wouldn't get done because my afternoons are much busier than my mornings. These pictures share a snip-it of the fun we had this weekend. Hubby is going to finish the weed eating on his day off and I'm going to finish planting flowers and the deck next weekend but thanks to the gift of time we had, we accomplished ten times more than we thought we'd have done.

The week is looking good. Only two weeks of school left. It's bittersweet. I'm ready for a break and recharge yet I'll miss my school family and especially the kiddos. On the flip side, I need a break and I'm looking forward to the recharge. What are you looking forward to? We look forward to finishing the lawn work then enjoying the beauty of it for the summer. Have a great day!
How did you spend your weekend?

Goals, Habits, & Imperfection Are Good Things

This week has been one focused on the difference between dreams and goals; good, bad (idiosyncrasies), and new; and today I challenge you to accept and embrace your imperfections!I know some of you are shaking your heads at me and think I have finally lost it, for real this time BUT I haven't. It must be a good idea because Pastor Brandon did an entire series on how we are each "perfectly imperfect". I simply borrowed his phrase and tied it into the messages I've shared this week on my podcast and here on the blog. 

Typically people think about setting goals and making plans at the end of December and early in January but this has never worked for me, especially becoming an educator. I do much better when I set goals in June so I have the summer to create new habits, meet with my accountability buddies, and focus on improving, educating, and rejuvenating myself. This isn't in a selfish way, it's one with health and wellness in mind.

Educators spend 80 - 90% of their year giving back to educate and inspire their students. Regardless of what some think, the teachers touching a child's heart and making a difference are working at least this much, if not more. It's worth every minute! On the flip side, our own self care is often set aside so we can care for our families when we aren't taking care of our students. 

Summer is a time of refreshment, recharging, and rejuvenation for me! I still wear my teacher hat, as I'll always be a teacher BUT the priority isn't others so much in the summer, it's more about sharpening my saw and returning to school in September relaxed and ready for the new year's adventure in New York State education and the positive impact I hope to make on the students I work with.

I'm perfectly imperfect and proud of it! I have goals set and a plan to meet them. What about you?
Are you able to celebrate your imperfections?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Goals versus Dreams

Good morning everyone! Today we are looking at dreams versus goals, all because of the crazy dream I had last night. In my dream I was at the grocery store, cleaning the shelves with cleaning wipes while shopping with my family. My friend and fellow podcaster, Patrick, from We Live On A Planet, found me more wipes so I could keep cleaning while my family left (probably embarrassed) while I finished cleaning the bakery. LOL

This dream made me think of the difference between a dream and a goal. A goal is written down and specific. You need to write down what you are going to do and when you will do it by. As I thought more about this I put a weight loss goal into writing and am sharing it with all of you. Feeling brave today I guess, lol. 

If you need help writing a goal, check out my book, "Goal Setting for a renewed you, Because you deserve it" and this will baby step you through the process. Goal setting is important and keeps our focus on the goal at the end of the tunnel. What goal can you see? How will you reach it? Will you share in a comment below?

“Setting Goals for a Renewed You: Because You Deserve It" is an opportunity to put your goals into writing. If you are like me, the busyness of work, school, and life interfere with this task. I challenge you to pause and look to your future. Don't stop with tomorrow or next month, consider who you desire to be in one, five, or even ten years. Not every thought we have is a goal to strive for but when we take the time to consider where we are going, it's easier to see the direction necessary to travel.
To order, click here What goal can you set today for a better you?

Change Begins with YOU and Me

On this beautiful and midweek Wednesday, it's a good time to think of ways we can be a positive change and encouragement to the people we interact with.

​The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking.
It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.
​~ Albert Einstein ~

If we apply Albert Einstein's thought process then we have the ability to change the world, or at least the tiny area we live in, right? This quote encourages me and I hope it encourages you. Rather than complaining or talking down the change happening in our world, we need to adjust our attitude, our thinking if you will. In order to be a catalyst for something different or better, we need to think different and with a better attitude.

My challenge to you for today, do something positive for someone else. It can be as simple as a smile, hug, or words of encouragement. Take time today to encourage another person and see  how good you feel. Let me know what you decided to do and how it changed your thinking for the day.

We are the catalyst for tomorrow!

Enjoy the Moments

It's a good day to "seize the day", right!? Thanks to my career choice, I was blessed with a long weekend. I made a giant list of things to do and accomplished most of them while also catching up on sleep. This is a positive all on its own, sleep is usually the thing I sacrifice to get the to-do-list done. I've decided to truly enjoy life I need sleep, not too much, but enough to be a human without dark circles under her eyes.

This past weekend was Memorial Day. In the past this has been a busy weekend with many things on the list to do and even more places to go, each requiring a different dish to pass. With our daughter on campus for the summer and my husband at work, I opted to enjoy the time catching up on my personal to-do-list. I regained control of our house. Not only did I run the vacuum but I moved around furniture, purged some clutter to the thrift store and even more to the dumpster. It feels good, these were good moments.
On today's podcast, Livin' with Lisa: Keeping it Real, I encouraged my listeners to "seize the day" and leave a legacy for those they care about the most. My hope is that you, my readers, will feel encouraged and inspired to do the same thing. Each day is a gift and we need to choose our moments. There are many things we could be doing but when you prioritize what you'll do, consider which ones will make you the best version of yourself. 

I'm thankful to have many moments this past weekend to choose from and couldn't narrow it down to just one moment to share: our daughter coming home from college to join me at the parade, transplanting our elephant ears so I can gift them to some special people, catching up on sleep, cleaning the house, walking the dog, walking through the cemetery to see how many people served our country in our small town, and my list could go on. 

Will you take a moment and share the moments that stand out to you today? You have the ability to choose the moments that matter, these moments add up to the legacy we leave our loved ones.
What moment from this past weekend stands out to you the most?
​Leave a comment below to share...

Revisiting the Podcast "Livin' with Lisa...Keeping it Real"

Have you listened to my podcast yet? Check it out today... It hasn't even been a week yet and I must admit to do a Podcast is as enjoyable, if not more fun than listening to a Podcast. My friend Patrick's podcast, "We Live on a Planet", inspired me to start my own. I'm glad our buddy Joe shared Patrick's adventure with me. They both inspired me.

Have you listened yet? If so, have you "favorited" my podcast and shared it with your friends and family?

I'm a new podcaster, with a lot to learn but I'm enjoying this new avenue to share, encourage, and inspire you and others that might not be on the blog. If you aren't on Anchor, I'll update you as my podcast becomes available on other venues.

Ways to listen to my podcast:
at anchor.fm/lisa-buske.

on Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/4uGc

on RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/livin-with-lisakeeping-it-real-WoA3VO

on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/livin-with-lisa-keeping-it-
Thank you for taking time to listening to my Podcast on Anchor or the Podcast app of your choice. I hope you'll come back.

Do you Enjoy Sending and/or Receiving a Note in the Mail?

SNAIL                            MAIL It's Wednesday and another week is speeding by. It amazes me at how fast time can "seem" to move. Anyone else out there agree?  Sometimes I can hear the second hand slowly making its way clockwise and at other times I look up and three hours have passed. It's a matter of perspective, what we are doing, and how invested we are in what we are doing that makes it appear time is moving faster or slower.

My Gram reminded us often that everyone had the same amount of time and this time moved at the same speed for everyone...it's what we do with our time that makes the difference.

As you consider this notion of time, ask yourself the following question...

When is the last time you sent someone a real letter? 

You know the kind, it requires you to use your digits, a pen or pencil, access an envelope, an address book, and to pick up stamps BUT it is so worth it. There is something precious and special about receiving a hand written notes in the midst of bills and junk mail. I LOVE receiving mail. It makes my day.

I try to send letters to people when I'm thinking of them. I send my daughter a few notes every week she is away at college because I remember how much I enjoyed receiving a note from my Gram when I was in college. Time is a valuable commodity and a gift we can give others.

My challenge for you today is to send a hand written note to someone!! Make their day! Who did you send your note to and why?

A Wonderful Mother's Day Weekend

Date Night with HubbyOur daughter completes her sophomore year of college and starts a new summer journey...
​all in the same day
A New Musical Artist to enjoy...In summary...it was a great weekend with family and friends.
How did you spend your Mother's Day weekend?