Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 61
February 4, 2016
Welcome Destiny Allison to the blog..."Long Term Effects of Trauma"
Trauma is a word we all fear. It is also something we all suffer. The death of a parent is traumatic. So is the loss of a job. Even stubbing your toe really hard can be a traumatic event. What many don’t know is that our brains don’t differentiate between small traumas and big ones. It treats them all the same. Over the years, as we get bumped and bruised, we store traumatic experiences and use them to create a worldview that renders us doubting and afraid.
After my father died, I couldn’t let anyone besides me drive. Since he died before I got my license, I didn’t connect the dots for several years. I was sure if I weren’t driving, there would be another accident and my world would shatter again.
When, as a teenager, a man took advantage of me, I did what most do. I put the incident behind me and, after awhile, didn’t think of it again. What I didn’t know was how that experience shaped me. The world was no longer safe. I no longer had worth. He stole something that night that I didn’t even miss until years later when another experience triggered a flashback of that event.
We talk about loss of innocence, mourn it, and work hard to preserve it in our children. For me, loss of innocence is having a traumatic experience that slants one’s worldview, makes one fear the unknown, and doubt the sincerity of others.
Like spilled ink, trauma invades us, coloring our convictions and eroding our trust. We think we recover. The toe heals. The heart heals. We go on, find a new job, new love, and new hope, but the ink stain never quite fades. It dirties every experience until we find a way to purge it completely. This is hard to do alone.
For years, I thought my creative expression and faith would eventually obliterate that stain. It helped some, but not enough. I didn’t know that my marriage was sullied by trauma. I didn’t know how it affected my children. As they entered adulthood, I discovered I’d passed on some of my fear and pain.
Identifying the long-term affects of trauma is difficult. Here are some tips:
1. Do you worry often about bad things happening?
For example, if your spouse is late and hasn’t called, do you worry they’ve been in an accident?
2. Do you suffer from unexpected anxiety? Is your anxiety proportionate to the event that’s creating it?
For example, you’re to meet with your boss about the monthly sales report. You know you’ve done a good job, but your palms are sweating, your mouth is dry, and you’re having a hard time breathing.
3. Do you find it hard to trust people, even when you know you should?
For example, do you worry about your spouse cheating or someone stealing your work?
4. Is your temper out of control? Do you overreact to small things and then feel guilty about it?
5. Do you always need to be in control?
These are just a few tips for recognizing symptoms of trauma related stress. If these sound like you, there is help available. Look for therapists who specialize in trauma. There are several different kinds of trauma therapy. Brainspotting worked really well for me because it's non-invasive and there's no intrusive talk therapy, but it’s not for everyone. You may also want to read about trauma and how it affects your brain. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is the best I’ve read. Brene Brown also has some great books on shame. Trauma and shame are intertwined and I’ve found her books really helpful.
The books and therapy helped me to realize the trauma wasn’t my fault and to restore a worldview that’s positive and trusting. I’m not waiting for the world to shatter again. Instead, I’m planning a future I could previously never entertain.
To About her book, "The Romance Diet":
Brave, raw, and unflinchingly honest, this book is a weight loss journey, a love story, a heart beating loudly on the page. Every day we battle against something--injustice, our spouses, our weight. Seldom do we acknowledge the real wars we wage. Repressing feelings and silencing our voices, we suffer under the surface, attributing emotional distress and unwanted pounds to the inescapable effects of hormones or age.
But weight gain, anxiety, and marital difficulties aren't always so easy to explain.
In her poignant and touching memoir, Allison doesn't offer recipes, exercise tips, or advice. Instead, she shows us how to stand up, express what we want, and develop empathy for ourselves and the people we love. In doing so, she provides invaluable insight for those seeking to lose weight, save a marriage, or make a significant life change.
Includes a Readers Guide.
To purchase this or her other books: Click here or on the book cover above.
About the Destiny:
Destiny Allison was a professional and award-winning sculptor. Her work is collected by individuals, civic entities, and corporations worldwide. When an injury required her to re-envision her life, Allison did what she always does. She applied her explosive creativity and dog-with-a-bone tenacity to new endeavors.
In 2011 she was named Santa Fe Business Woman of the Year. Her community building efforts and innovative business model transformed a bankrupt shopping center into a thriving community and commercial center.
In 2012 she published her first book, Shaping Destiny: A quest for meaning in art and life . The book won best independent non-fiction/memoir in the 2013 Global Book Awards.
Since then, she has published two novels and opened a general store. Allison believes that one’s life is one’s greatest work of art. Hence, she flows freely between mediums. Unafraid to make mistakes and always passionate, she lives in Santa Fe, NM.
Website: wwww.destinyallisonbooks.com
Facebook: Destiny Allison Books
Twitter: @SFSculptor Thank you for guest blogging Destiny...
a helpful and interesting look at the effects of trauma!
After my father died, I couldn’t let anyone besides me drive. Since he died before I got my license, I didn’t connect the dots for several years. I was sure if I weren’t driving, there would be another accident and my world would shatter again.
When, as a teenager, a man took advantage of me, I did what most do. I put the incident behind me and, after awhile, didn’t think of it again. What I didn’t know was how that experience shaped me. The world was no longer safe. I no longer had worth. He stole something that night that I didn’t even miss until years later when another experience triggered a flashback of that event.
We talk about loss of innocence, mourn it, and work hard to preserve it in our children. For me, loss of innocence is having a traumatic experience that slants one’s worldview, makes one fear the unknown, and doubt the sincerity of others.
Like spilled ink, trauma invades us, coloring our convictions and eroding our trust. We think we recover. The toe heals. The heart heals. We go on, find a new job, new love, and new hope, but the ink stain never quite fades. It dirties every experience until we find a way to purge it completely. This is hard to do alone.
For years, I thought my creative expression and faith would eventually obliterate that stain. It helped some, but not enough. I didn’t know that my marriage was sullied by trauma. I didn’t know how it affected my children. As they entered adulthood, I discovered I’d passed on some of my fear and pain.
Identifying the long-term affects of trauma is difficult. Here are some tips:
1. Do you worry often about bad things happening?
For example, if your spouse is late and hasn’t called, do you worry they’ve been in an accident?
2. Do you suffer from unexpected anxiety? Is your anxiety proportionate to the event that’s creating it?
For example, you’re to meet with your boss about the monthly sales report. You know you’ve done a good job, but your palms are sweating, your mouth is dry, and you’re having a hard time breathing.
3. Do you find it hard to trust people, even when you know you should?
For example, do you worry about your spouse cheating or someone stealing your work?
4. Is your temper out of control? Do you overreact to small things and then feel guilty about it?
5. Do you always need to be in control?
These are just a few tips for recognizing symptoms of trauma related stress. If these sound like you, there is help available. Look for therapists who specialize in trauma. There are several different kinds of trauma therapy. Brainspotting worked really well for me because it's non-invasive and there's no intrusive talk therapy, but it’s not for everyone. You may also want to read about trauma and how it affects your brain. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is the best I’ve read. Brene Brown also has some great books on shame. Trauma and shame are intertwined and I’ve found her books really helpful.
The books and therapy helped me to realize the trauma wasn’t my fault and to restore a worldview that’s positive and trusting. I’m not waiting for the world to shatter again. Instead, I’m planning a future I could previously never entertain.
To About her book, "The Romance Diet":
Brave, raw, and unflinchingly honest, this book is a weight loss journey, a love story, a heart beating loudly on the page. Every day we battle against something--injustice, our spouses, our weight. Seldom do we acknowledge the real wars we wage. Repressing feelings and silencing our voices, we suffer under the surface, attributing emotional distress and unwanted pounds to the inescapable effects of hormones or age.
But weight gain, anxiety, and marital difficulties aren't always so easy to explain.
In her poignant and touching memoir, Allison doesn't offer recipes, exercise tips, or advice. Instead, she shows us how to stand up, express what we want, and develop empathy for ourselves and the people we love. In doing so, she provides invaluable insight for those seeking to lose weight, save a marriage, or make a significant life change.
Includes a Readers Guide.
To purchase this or her other books: Click here or on the book cover above.
About the Destiny:Destiny Allison was a professional and award-winning sculptor. Her work is collected by individuals, civic entities, and corporations worldwide. When an injury required her to re-envision her life, Allison did what she always does. She applied her explosive creativity and dog-with-a-bone tenacity to new endeavors.
In 2011 she was named Santa Fe Business Woman of the Year. Her community building efforts and innovative business model transformed a bankrupt shopping center into a thriving community and commercial center.
In 2012 she published her first book, Shaping Destiny: A quest for meaning in art and life . The book won best independent non-fiction/memoir in the 2013 Global Book Awards.
Since then, she has published two novels and opened a general store. Allison believes that one’s life is one’s greatest work of art. Hence, she flows freely between mediums. Unafraid to make mistakes and always passionate, she lives in Santa Fe, NM.
Website: wwww.destinyallisonbooks.com
Facebook: Destiny Allison Books
Twitter: @SFSculptor Thank you for guest blogging Destiny...
a helpful and interesting look at the effects of trauma!
February 3, 2016
Welcome Jennifer-Lynn Keniston to the Blog!
“How creating and instructing an interval energy zone Spinning class,
is on a much smaller scale, comparable to the writing, editing,
and release of a novel into print."
By Jennifer-Lynn Keniston
Years ago, I won an essay contest for free admission to a Spinning conference (WSSC). I took a creative approach and entitled my entry “To be or not to be at the WSSC.” And years later, it seems appropriate for me to point this essay out for this blog.
Obviously, I used Shakespeare and took other literary analogies to heart when writing it, yet, eerily the entire process of creating, editing, and instructing an interval energy zone Spin ride, is on a smaller scale, like writing, editing, and releasing a novel into print. It isn’t far stretched.
With both, there is a targeted audience. In a Spinning class I often have younger and older adults, consisting of male and female participants. When writing a book, I zero in on a niche such as the Christian reader.
When writing a novel, I do not start with an outline. I simply begin to write a story all out of order and then work to bring it all together. It is actually the same when I work on creating a new Spinning ride profile. First, I download music and lots of it. Then, I quickly recall the beat and chorus of a song and identify it as being a potential climb, endurance, jumps, or speed work song. It is only then that I start to move songs over and create a playlist as I determine which one of the five energy zone profile rides I am creating. Finally, I work to bring a sort of order to the playlist and complete the ride.
For this blog, it is an interval ride I’m creating and sharing with my class. The flywheel moves constantly for the hour long ride, and I’m hoping to keep the interest of riders as they climb to reach peeks, come down from hill descents, add resistance and take it off, hit flat areas of endurance, mixed in with jumps, and bursts of speed work to challenge the rider’s anaerobic threshold. Some riders even bring heartrate monitors and these beep and alert the rider to push harder or pull back a bit.
The commitment for a Spinning ride is only an hour, but many riders return week after week, to experience the thrill of each new energy zone ride I’m instructing. Just as an avid reader will stay committed to finish a story pushing through the unexpected twists and turns and escape for four or five hours with the characters I’ve created. I can only hope many are eagerly awaiting the release of my next novel. Publication, brings on a higher scale, a similar satisfaction earned from delivering a successful Spinning ride and hopefully positive reviews come pouring in. As a Spinning ride comes to an end, I ask my riders as they stand next to the bikes, to “breathe in the positive energy and release the negative.”
Meet Jennifer:
Raised in Hanson, Massachusetts, the author earned a Master of Arts degree in English, from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a concentration in writing and a minor in philosophy, from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire.
Jennifer-Lynn currently works as a project manager for a company that provides cloud software products for call centers at small, medium, and enterprise companies.
In April 2014, she started her own business, Ansel Resume Resolution Services LLC, writing resumes and cover letters. She now lives and writes in Concord, New Hampshire, and enjoys teaching Spinning classes in her free time.
Website: http://www.jenniferkeniston.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjenniferkeniston/
Twitter: @jenkeniston
About Jennifer-Lynn's book, Afta-U:
Sometimes decisions made in an instant can echo throughout a lifetime.
In the pages of her new novel, Afta-U, Author Jennifer-Lynn Keniston, takes us into the heart of Jean Cartwright Rhodes, a woman who is struggling to come to grips with the heartbreaking and senseless death of her childhood best friend, Hope.
Twenty-nine years after the fact, Jean fights for her very sanity as she confronts the dark web of relationships and intrigue that appear to have been set in motion by a split-second decision she made in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Afta-U is an adult mystery/suspense novel for ages 17 and older. The book is complex and sometimes dark, and filled with Christian messages.
Purchase Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Afta-U-Jennifer-Lynn-Keniston/dp/1680284274/
Thank you Jennifer-Lynn for guest blogging today!
I hope you, my readers, will visit her website and check out her book...
is on a much smaller scale, comparable to the writing, editing,
and release of a novel into print."
By Jennifer-Lynn Keniston
Years ago, I won an essay contest for free admission to a Spinning conference (WSSC). I took a creative approach and entitled my entry “To be or not to be at the WSSC.” And years later, it seems appropriate for me to point this essay out for this blog.
Obviously, I used Shakespeare and took other literary analogies to heart when writing it, yet, eerily the entire process of creating, editing, and instructing an interval energy zone Spin ride, is on a smaller scale, like writing, editing, and releasing a novel into print. It isn’t far stretched.
With both, there is a targeted audience. In a Spinning class I often have younger and older adults, consisting of male and female participants. When writing a book, I zero in on a niche such as the Christian reader.
When writing a novel, I do not start with an outline. I simply begin to write a story all out of order and then work to bring it all together. It is actually the same when I work on creating a new Spinning ride profile. First, I download music and lots of it. Then, I quickly recall the beat and chorus of a song and identify it as being a potential climb, endurance, jumps, or speed work song. It is only then that I start to move songs over and create a playlist as I determine which one of the five energy zone profile rides I am creating. Finally, I work to bring a sort of order to the playlist and complete the ride.
For this blog, it is an interval ride I’m creating and sharing with my class. The flywheel moves constantly for the hour long ride, and I’m hoping to keep the interest of riders as they climb to reach peeks, come down from hill descents, add resistance and take it off, hit flat areas of endurance, mixed in with jumps, and bursts of speed work to challenge the rider’s anaerobic threshold. Some riders even bring heartrate monitors and these beep and alert the rider to push harder or pull back a bit.
The commitment for a Spinning ride is only an hour, but many riders return week after week, to experience the thrill of each new energy zone ride I’m instructing. Just as an avid reader will stay committed to finish a story pushing through the unexpected twists and turns and escape for four or five hours with the characters I’ve created. I can only hope many are eagerly awaiting the release of my next novel. Publication, brings on a higher scale, a similar satisfaction earned from delivering a successful Spinning ride and hopefully positive reviews come pouring in. As a Spinning ride comes to an end, I ask my riders as they stand next to the bikes, to “breathe in the positive energy and release the negative.”
Meet Jennifer:Raised in Hanson, Massachusetts, the author earned a Master of Arts degree in English, from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a concentration in writing and a minor in philosophy, from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire.
Jennifer-Lynn currently works as a project manager for a company that provides cloud software products for call centers at small, medium, and enterprise companies.
In April 2014, she started her own business, Ansel Resume Resolution Services LLC, writing resumes and cover letters. She now lives and writes in Concord, New Hampshire, and enjoys teaching Spinning classes in her free time.
Website: http://www.jenniferkeniston.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjenniferkeniston/
Twitter: @jenkeniston
About Jennifer-Lynn's book, Afta-U:Sometimes decisions made in an instant can echo throughout a lifetime.
In the pages of her new novel, Afta-U, Author Jennifer-Lynn Keniston, takes us into the heart of Jean Cartwright Rhodes, a woman who is struggling to come to grips with the heartbreaking and senseless death of her childhood best friend, Hope.
Twenty-nine years after the fact, Jean fights for her very sanity as she confronts the dark web of relationships and intrigue that appear to have been set in motion by a split-second decision she made in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Afta-U is an adult mystery/suspense novel for ages 17 and older. The book is complex and sometimes dark, and filled with Christian messages.
Purchase Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Afta-U-Jennifer-Lynn-Keniston/dp/1680284274/
Thank you Jennifer-Lynn for guest blogging today!
I hope you, my readers, will visit her website and check out her book...
January 31, 2016
Burnt Toast...Or is it?
“The decisions that we write off as momentary, insignificant, incidental, everyday encounters are exactly when we have a chance to define ourselves.
To find beauty. To engage the world around us. To create memories.”
― Teri Hatcher, Burnt Toast: And Other Philosophies of Life
This weekend as our daughter toasted her bread, it stayed down a bit too long. She likes her toast a golden brown, almost bread if you ask me. Anyway, she took the toast out and asked, "Mom, do I have to eat this? It's burnt in the center." I told she didn't have to eat it if she snapped a picture of it first. She laughed and said, "Of course, that's how all moms respond." I told her there is a heart on the toast. I don't think she believed me at first until she looked at it again. Sure enough, she saw the heart.
Why do I share about burnt toast? I don't know what you thought of when you first saw it but I know for me, I thought about how much I am loved. On a deep level, God loves me.
"For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life."
John 3:16 VOICE
Of course the most obvious love is that of my parents for myself and Heidi, the love of all my family and friends. The love I receive is shared with my family, friends, co-workers, and I try to share this love with those I meet. I'm not always successful but my intent is to try.
I was going to attempt a little humor but when I searched for a quote, to read Teri Hatcher's quote above, I found my self more reflective than silly. In fact, my daughter's burnt toast might seem insignificant to most but when you think about the love it reminded me of...it was a chance this weekend to see the beauty and memories in my life.
This is my favorite burnt toast picture taken by my daughter. She has a great eye for unique pictures, check out her precious Naomi spying the toast. Another aspect of love, the love we have for our pets, and their reciprocated love to us.
What does a burnt piece of toast make you think of?
January 28, 2016
Has God Tapped You on the Shoulder? How did you Respond?
Last week our church held its annual meeting. In addition to some delicious food and quality fellowship, it's also an opportunity for church leadership, committee chairs, and others facilitating a group to share with the congregation of the previous year's happenings, with a look into the future. I find these meetings interesting and helpful. Our church strives to keep the congregation informed during the year yet it is nice to hear from everyone as the new year starts.Part of this meeting is the pastor's message to the congregation. Our current pastor shares this during the church service as his sermon. I thought it was odd the first time but since I tend to live life with my feet over the edge, I liked the idea. Two years later, only positive feedback for his willingness to think outside the box. It allows everyone to hear the pastor's goals for the coming year. Don't get me wrong, to have this as part of the meeting works too but not everyone stays, and it keeps the "meeting" after church shorter. (which is nice on a Sunday afternoon)
What does this have to do with God tapping you on the shoulder? Are you wondering if I'll get to the point? Wait no longer, here it goes. The reason I share about our annual meeting is because as our pastor shared his goals and hopes for 2016 and our church, I felt God tapping me on the shoulder. I shared a blog earlier this month that started with "God's Leading" (to read, click here), then the following Sunday, God answered prayer and tapped on my shoulder. Actually, it was more like, "Are you listening? I'm leading, will you follow?" This is the cool thing about God, when we ask, He answers.
“Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.See, it isn't just me, it's in the Bible. An aspect of these verses some overlook, when we are asking God, He does always answer and provide what we need when it aligns with His will. Sometimes we ask for things that are not something God desires for us but instead it's our own heart's desire, with the best of intentions, pushing forward. A friend told me years ago, when I pray to ask for God's leading and discernment so I could tell the difference. I find myself asking "Is this me wanting something or is it God tapping on my shoulder?"
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer,
believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Matthew 7:7, 21:22; Mark 11:24 The VOICE
This is one reason I shared my post about needing prayer to determine if it's God's leading or my own. Three weeks later, God answered. The pastor, unaware of the thoughts and ideas swirling in my head, startled me. I found myself asking again, "Is this really what you want God? Am I supposed to share this written idea with someone else? Should I move forward?" Then the pastor continued and referenced his letter to the congregation detailing how he envisioned us meeting the goals. I think the direction God has been leading and preparing me fits with this passion, yet I still haven't tidied up my notes to share with someone with the authority to say, "We like the sound of this Lisa, go for it, when will it start?"
What is holding me back? I'm ashamed to say that "nothing" isn't my answer but instead my list of excuses and reasons not to move forward to even present my ideas, outweighs the quick obedience God desires. This isn't the first time I've been slow to respond, and to be honest, it's probably not the last either. I am one silly, imperfect, over-thinking, and OCD-planner of a woman. But then again, God designed me so He already knows my weaknesses, thankfully He uses these imperfections to grow me, draw me closer to Him, and stretch myself to limits I might not dream of.Instead of dreaming, it's time to transition them into goals. Goals I think that align with our pastor's message of hope, growth, and visible. I try to be a hopeful and hope-filled person. I have the mind and heart of a life-long-learner. Due to recent events over the past year and a half, or so, it is a challenge to be visible. To write the blog is safe. I write from the comfort of my home, Dunkin Donuts, and other "safe" spots. I struggled to determine what my other spots are so you didn't have an eternal list of writing spots but then it clicked, they all have a common theme...they are safe!
Hmm...a lot to think about, if God is tapping me on the shoulder to step out and share, then why do I doubt His faithfulness to provide, protect, inspire, and motivate? I shouldn't since the inspiration and motivation are never ending. When I weigh the items on the scale, one side might have more stacked on it yet the weight is much less, does this make sense to you? So I have some work to do, stay tuned and hopefully the next time I share, you'll learn the "what" driving these blogs, for good, bad, or indifferent.
When God taps you on the shoulder, how do you respond?
Share an instant when you did, or maybe one when you didn't?
How did it change the way you follow God's leading in the future?
January 26, 2016
TOP's Tuesday: A New Book in the Works
This book was birthed over my Christmas vacation. As I worked on my goals for 2016, I found myself carrying a note pad and pen with me everywhere we went. One day as I organized my thoughts and goals, my daughter looked over and shook her head.She and my husband both chuckled and teased me a little. I joined in their fun, because my goal setting is a bit more developed and organized than most. In addition to setting a goal, I try to develop a plan to reach the goal. I've found this increases my chance of success.
Like most people in their mid forty's, one of my goals is "to lose weight" but instead of summarizing this into three words, I have a page organizing my health and fitness plan to reach this goal. I'll be honest, my style is a bit detailed and "over the top" (according to my loving family) but it works for me.
My husband told me, "I wouldn't even know where to begin to do what you do, you should make it into a book." Of course, I think this was him teasing me but I took it as a nudge and as I thought about it, I felt as if the Holy Spirit was saying, "Lisa, I think he is on to something". After some prayer and thought, I began the process. It is quite the journey and to format my process for this new book is helping me to zone in even tighter to my goals and more. I look forward to sharing more with you, stay tuned.
The Goal is for a February Release
One of the first goals to achieve this year...
What benefits do you see a journal styled book benefiting you?
January 25, 2016
Beauty in the Stillness...
I love this picture. It illustrates the beauty of a white tail deer finding nourishment in the midst of a long winter. BUT...it's not the illustration I love the most. Instead, it is the memory. I remember the day it was taken and I remember who I was with. Last winter, I arrived at my parent's house and said, "There are a lot of deer out today." With this, Dad and I went for a ride, reliving memories of my childhood.We spent a couple, if not a few hours, driving around looking for deer and pulling to the side in the areas where we could do it safely...to watch them. It was a great day. We talked about similar drives from when I was too small to see over the steering wheel, to the night drives when I held the spot light. We discussed how times have changed and the quality time spent watching deer is limited to day light.
Most of you might remember driving at night with a "spot light" to see the deer feed. Near my parents' friends' house, there were fields with fifty or more deer field each time. It was beautiful. Not only did I get to stay up late but I enjoyed conversation and time bonding with my Dad.
When my daughter was little I asked my Dad if we could take her out to spot deer, like he did with me. I was sad to learn it was illegal because people took advantage of the innocence of the deer at night, so it is against the law.
Although disappointed, it didn't defeat us. We simply came up with a new plan, we'd have to take afternoon drives. Dad and I still enjoy this tradition. My daughter isn't a huge fan of stopping to watch deer and wildlife eat but she still joins us...memories that bring smiles. When you see a deer out in the field, what do you think of ?
Does it trigger a memory, emotion, or feeling?
Share in a post below.
January 24, 2016
Are you a sky watcher?
If you have followed the blog for awhile or know me, you know I enjoy looking up, and trying to capture some of this beauty with my camera. We just finished a lesson on the Solar System with our first grade class so when the news announced the solar celebration happening this month, we shared it with our kiddos, and have tried to sneak a view ourselves. Due to the winter storm south of us, the first few nights and mornings only offered a glimmer behind the cloud cover. Last night the sky was beautiful and I did capture this picture of the moon. I hoped to get up this morning, one article suggests the best time to view this phenomenon is seventy to eighty minutes before sunrise. Are you wondering what excitement is happening?
A great drama unfolds in the predawn sky throughout January, 2016. Beginning around January 20, all five bright planets will appear simultaneously before dawn."
Earthsky.org article - click here to read entire article with more details & pictures
Ben Axelson, posted an article on January 20th, 2016 with some more information and a video clip. To read this article and view the video, click here.My goal is to get up early enough, on a day without cloud cover, to witness this cool happening. And it would only be better if I can take a few pics too and share them with all of you.
"The Morning Moon" has moon pics from last year, click on "The Morning Moon" to view.
Have a great night and if you capture a pic or two, tag me on Facebook when you share so I can see too. I'm hoping we can capture this spectacular with our cameras. Have a starry night my friends!
January 21, 2016
An Intersection of Emotions
Almost four months from losing my Mom and a beautiful red cardinal visited me. Last week as I drove to Mexico and lost myself in thought I approached an intersection, one that brought even more emotion. While running an every day errand of picking up milk and bread spiraled my memories to trips for medication, ginger ale, and such this summer. Then the thought of losing someone else close to me, shortly thereafter because a driver ran a stop sign, drained the color from my face. I'm thankful my relative is a defensive driver, while the car was totaled, he was only bumped and bruised. Since then, each time any of us pass this intersection, our foot naturally lifts from the gas pedal and at least for me, I think, "What if?". More often than not, I fight a tear or two back.
Last week at this same intersection, a red cardinal flew at my car. Not only did it remind me of my Mom or act as a sign of remembrance, it snapped me back to reality. As I drove, looked ahead at the approaching intersection, and listened to my daughter tell about her day...the bright red flying towards the wind shield reminded me God protected the one I love at that very intersection and we are never alone. God is always with us and our loved ones are near and dear too.
The LORD himself
watches over you!
The LORD stands beside you as your
protective shade.
Psalm 121:5 NLT
Who is the FIRST person you think of when you see a cardinal? Why?
January 19, 2016
TOP's Tuesday: "At Least Write on Tuesday"
As I sat down tonight to write a blog I realized it is Tuesday, and no sooner than this, I could almost hear my mother's audible voice telling me, "You have to at least do the blog on Tuesday." followed by her laugh. Mom was one of my biggest blog readers and the top commenter too. So this sweet reminder on a bitter cold night brought a smile and triggered inspiration. Prior to Christmas I set a goal to blog daily until Christmas. I accomplished this and even blogged for nearly two weeks beyond, thanks to my Christmas vacation. I took advantage of the time off and filled my "Scheduled Blogs" folder. As this emptied, I couldn't seem to muster a thought or the ambition to pursue one...so I took a break.
A break...again...but sometimes you just need a break.
Have you ever needed a break? Sorry, I couldn't resist. Anyone else hungry for a Kit Kat now? I'm thinking if the weather and road conditions weren't so nasty at this moment, I probably would venture out for an unneeded 210 calories BUT...since I'm snuggled in with the ones I love, I decided to stay safe and warm.
Anyway, like I was saying, TOP's Tuesday was my Mom's favorite blog each week. It started as a way to remember Heidi and share my writing and publication journey as Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey transitioned from an emotional vomit draft to the book available today.
So as we watch NCIS and enjoy our overnight guest, I smile to think about all the responses and conversations Mom and I had as comments to these blogs since 2011. Without knowing it, Mom left me a legacy of memories and words of wisdom. When I miss her or want to hear her voice, all I have to do, is visit my archives. I wonder if my words will have the same impact on my daughter one day? One will never know, by the time I'm eighty, blogs probably will be a thing of the past and a computer will fit inside your pencil eraser. And with this...it's time to say good night. Has a loved one ever left
you a message without you realizing it would be a gift later?
Leave a comment below...
This is a serious question, 
