Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 7

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: A Writing Challenge

This past week was my spring break, a time when I usually head to my cottage to write. This year though, I had a better offer. Instead of spending it alone, I traveled to visit my daughter. Governor Cuomo released the travel ban at a perfect time. It allowed the opportunity for people to visit family for the first time in months, or more. It was a fun, exhausting, and memorable week and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

Since I didn't do any writing all week, I thought it would be fun to do some writing with all of you. I do know what I'm working on next, thanks to talking it out with my daughter but until I'm ready to share here, I thought it might be interesting to see how your week was.
Here is your challenge:
Using only 6 words,
​describe your most recent vacation
Leave your answer in a comment below... 

April 3, 2021...Heidi Allen ~ Missing 9,863 days

Heidi Allen hasbeen missing: 852,163,200 seconds
or
14,202,720 minutes
or
236,712 hours
or
9863 days
or
1409 weeks
or
324 months
or
27 years
link to website here In April 1994, we wrote how many days Heidi was missing on our calendars. The Palladium Times, a local newspaper, kept track of the days on the front page.

​Over time, the visual count stopped, yet when April 3 rolls around each year, our family revisits the numbers. It's heartbreaking, depressing, and overwhelming then I remember there are families who have been searching, waiting, praying, hoping, and advocating for even longer than we have.

When you lose a loved one to cancer, illness, an accident, or age...it's a tragic loss and changes your life forever. When you literally lose a loved one, the unknown has the potential to debilitate you...IF you let it.

One thing I've learned as I've lived the journey of having a missing loved one, and missing other families of the missing...WE DON'T GIVE UP!! Families of the missing have a resilience and ability to cope beyond anything you can understand until you are forced to travel this road, a road I pray you never understand fully. This year, twenty-seven years later is very different for me. Instead of planning and doing something for the family and our community, I'm doing something private.

COVID has strengthened my resilience on some levels and wore me down on others. I couldn't wrap my head around how to make a socially distanced and regulation remembrance. I had a choice, I asked myself, "What would Mom do?" Mom would say, "We'll remember Heidi in our own way and your blog is enough. Take care of yourself." This is what I'm doing.
​
Thank you for remembering Heidi Allen and all the missing across the country. There were 543,018 missing people in the United States in 2020. The good news, due to organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and their initiatives, the number is DOWN 411,878 from 1994 when Heidi disappeared. I'm grateful to see the numbers going down and pray for the day when no more children and adults disappear and no more families are forced to live with the unknown. Thank you for remembering Heidi and praying she is found and returned to our family!
Thank you for praying for our family and her friends.
Thank you for praying for all the missing!

Happy April 3 and Easter 2021!

What are you Thankful for This Easter?

I saw this graphic and it made me shake my head. First and foremost, what's up with the rubber gloves? Next, why are their no colors on the egg? Is it hard boiled? Then I found myself smiling and lost in memories. 

It's amazing how a graphic, photograph, smell, or song can take you back in time and bring remembering prior days, years, and moments. Long story short, I'm grateful for my sister's friends. They are an amazing group of "kids" and blessings I count. So many of her friends not only remember her but reach out to me and other members of the family when they are thinking of Heidi. One friend in particular is a "good egg" and this is why I chose this graphic to spotlight what we are thankful for in 2021. 

Of course Heidi's friends are not kids anymore, they are adults but for me, they are forever kids in my mind until I run into one of them or they reach out to me via social media. It's one of those things. Heidi, kidnapped at age 18 is perpetually 18 in my mind so when I see her friends and their families, I'm grateful they share with me and sad at the same time. It reminds me of all she missed yet God is so good, before I get to lost in grieving all she missed, I lift thanks to God because her friends include me in their lives. This is such a HUGE blessing that brings me joy and encouragement. 

You will face many things in life and some will be positive and others will break your heart. The common factor in both situations, find the positives and thank God throughout it and you will be blessed. Psalm 23:4 talks about "when" we go through the valley, tomorrow is Good Friday, Jesus is walking to His death on the cross for our sings. Give thanks, it's Friday, but Sunday is coming. You will face many "Fridays" in your life, remember to focus on God and your Sunday will come too. What are you thankful for today and this week as we head into Easter weekend?
Share at least one thing you are thankful for today...

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: More than an Easter Devo

It is Holy Week, the week leading up to Jesus' death on a cross for the sins of mankind, not because He deserved it but because He chose it out of an unconditional and Eternal love for His Father's people, His people. As if this sacrifice wasn't enough, He left the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf. Who needs Google when you have the Holy Spirit even closer and more reliable?

It was a joy to write this devotional and a few have shared they will be rereading this during the year because although it's written as a Lenten devotional, they want to revisit it again. This is a huge compliment, thank you for reaching out.
I had a few people read, review, and offer feedback during the writing and process, they echoed this same message. I worked with different titles yet decided to stick with, Journey to Easter. Here is the deal, the calendar celebrates Easter on a certain date yet as we grow and draw closer to Jesus, this is the start of our journey.

This devotional isn't just for Easter and Spring, it's also for those seeking to renew their relationship with Jesus and remember Who He is and who He is calling them to be. It makes a great gift for new believers or those going through a hard time, don't let the title deter you. A Journey to Easter is more than an Lenten devo, it's a devotional of hope and drawing closer to God.

If you are in the need of a little hope and uplifting, head to Amazon and order your copy today. Thank you in advance for leaving a review on Amazon to help others know this is the devotional for them and the reasons why. Have a wonderful week!
May you fill your week with hope and love...

A Thought To Ponder...Don't Sacrifice

I hope you all had a wonderful week and found time to enjoy sunshine, make memories, and take time for yourself. Have you heard of Brene' Brown? This is a name that has come up in a few different areas of my life over the past few weeks.

I look forward to learning, reading, and listening to more about her, and by her. I guess the intrigue is because her works have been brought up in a mindfulness workshop, at a training for my direct sales business, and in the academic setting. It's encouraging to have something, or I should say, someone, with the ability to inspire and teach such a variety of individuals.

​I wanted to share a quote today and when I searched, this was the first quote and it spoke to me, then I noticed it was by Brene' Brown. Again!? Have you ever had a topic or person's work keep popping up? Anyway, this quote, "Be vulnerable. Get uncomfortable. Be present with people WITHOUT SACRIFICING WHO YOU ARE." is a reminder to us all.

​We all need to experience the feelings of vulnerability and uncomfortableness that accompanies it, as this makes us stronger. On that flip side, you need to do this without letting go of your own personal compass and morals. It's a fine line and when you learn to balance it, you will not only inspire others, you might just amaze yourself and all you can do and who you are. Keep it up! What areas in your life is God calling you to 
be more vulnerable and uncomfortable?
​
How will you follow through
without sacrificing who you are?

Guest Post: HOW TO GET PAST WRITER’S BLOCK

Guest Post by: Chitra Ramaswami

​Dear Writer’s Block, 

Your insistence on visiting me from time to time! 
Credulous seeming, no agendas you arrive
Harbinger of good news? A helper for my cause?
My naïve expectations, my willing procrastinations
Are alas met with your deafening silence
Why don’t you speak? A whisper will suffice.

Yours truly,
A Writer-In-Waiting But this visitor doesn’t oblige you with answers. Instead, what we receive is a shove into the mind’s endless abyss - not an easy chasm to climb out of. Unable to predict its arrival or how long this creative block will last, I realized early on the nature of mental acrobatics, this predicament trapezes me into. And as per my experience, there seems to be no option but to go through the motions and hopefully land on your feet on the other side. Correction - not hopefully but surely. Yes, the narrative I choose makes a difference. 
From the fear of starting to the point of self-doubt, the whole gamut of emotions is all too familiar. But shouldn’t familiarity give rise to some semblance of confidence? Far from it - at least in this case. However, when I sense my emotions peaking and I’m at my most troubled stance, I know relief is around the corner. Strangely, mental fatigue of this nature eventually gives way to a phase of uninhibited writing, which in consequence delivers an unequaled high. A much-needed high. Unfortunately, we live in a world of deadlines. So here are a few approaches that have helped me along the way:
Writer Block Hacks  Disclaimer: To each his own
Write often.  Write every day. Even if it’s a few lines. Trust me. Just do it. It helps to stay in the habit of writing than to decide to revive it out of the blue. 
Read. Yes, read every day. The same rules apply. Be it a few lines, be it a few pages. Words entering and exiting your mind serve as great oiling for future expression.
Take a break or not. This is a tricky one. A change of scene may be an inspiration or plain distraction. You need to be able to tell the difference. I may give myself a day or two and if I still don’t feel ready, I make it a point to start writing anyway. 
Don’t aim for perfection. It helps to remind yourself that writing isn’t an exercise in executing the perfect sentence. Writing is simply expression. Revision and refinement are tasks for later. 
Take notes. I’m always penning thoughts, words, observations. If I know I have an article to write in a few days, the notes from the preceding days inevitably have musings on the topic. This also lends the feeling of the work being divided over a few days. 
Choose your ritual. Music. No thank you. Herbal teas? Keep it coming! Observe what personal preferences accompany a good writing session. Having a constant in the equation helps. 
Deadlines can be a good thing. When all else fails, deadlines work - self-imposed or otherwise. 
Lastly, be kind to yourself. None of us have it all figured out. If it helps to know, the fact that writer’s block has nothing to do with your ability to write is scientifically backed. Writing and Writer’s Block are an inseparable pair. For the fruits of one, I have decided to accept the other. I try and lead my mind to a place of no judgment - internal or external. I say it over and over - “I am writing for myself”. And it helps. 
To read my memoir, But First, Rumi
please click on the link here:
 But First, Rumi is available worldwide
on Amazon as e-book and paperback.

Also available in select bookstores.
​
Website:  https://cramaswami.com/ 

Blog Tour Dates
March 15th @ WOW! Women on Writing 
Join us at the WOW blog, The Muffin, to celebrate the launch of Chitra Ramaswami's book But First, Rumi. You can read an interview with the author, find out more information about this touching memoir, and win a copy for yourself! 
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com 
 
March 16th @ Hook of a Book 
Join Erin as she shares a guest post by the author about Omani street cats.
http://www.hookofabook.wordpress.com 
 
March 20th @ Boots Shoes and Fashion 
Visit Linda's blog to read her interview with author, Chitra Ramaswami about her book But First, Rumi. 
http://bootsshoesandfashion.com 
 
March 20th @ Pages and Paws
Visit Kristine's blog today to read her review of But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami.
https://pagesandpaws.com
 
March 21st @ Shoe's Seeds & Stories 
Visit Linda's blog today to read her review and spotlight for But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami. 
https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com 
 
March 25th @ Keeping it Real 
Join Lisa as she shares a guest post by the author about how to get past writer's block. 
https://www.lisambuske.com/ 
 
March 26th @ Author Anthony Avina 
Visit Anthony's blog as he shares a guest post about cats and mental health and reviews But First, Rumi by Chita Ramaswami. 
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com 
March 28th @ The Faerie Review 
Visit Lily's blog where she interviews author Chitra Ramaswami. 
https://www.thefaeriereview.com/ 
​
March 29th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog 
Join Bev as she shares her thoughts about But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami. 
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/ 
 
March 30th @ Lisa's Reading 
Visit Lisa's blog where she reviews But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami. 
http://lisasreading.com/ ​

April 1st @ Knotty Needle 
Visit Judy's blog and read her review of this touching memoir for pet lovers, But First, Rumi. You can also win a copy of the book too! 
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/ 
 
April 5th @ Reviews and Interviews
Join Lisa as she interviews author Chitra Ramaswami about her book But First, Rumi.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
 
April 5th @ Note to the World
Come by Mahnoor's blog today and read the review of But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami.
https://www.notetotheworld.com/
 
April 7th @ It's Alanna Jean 
Join Alanna as she shares a guest post by Chitra Ramaswami about the misconceptions about cats. https://itsalannajean.webnode.com/
 
April 13th @ Deborah-Zenha Adams 
Join Deborah as she shares a guest post about writing process by the author of But First, Rumi. http://www.deborah-adams.com ​ Thank you Chitra Ramaswami for sharing with my readers! May you have a wonderful book tour!

A St. Patrick's Day First: Irish Soda Bread

If you've followed this blog for some time then you know I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, especially lately since joining the Epicure team as an Independent Epicure Consultant. I've started using some of my favorite recipes, family recipes and others and "Epicurizing" them, to make them healthier.

Today's share is not gluten free or good for you yet it does taste good and was fun to try. The link to the recipe I used is at the end of this blog, as well as a link to the Epicure 8" cake pans (purple ones on the left) I used. The recipe had me bake them for 25 -30 minutes with one cake pan on top of the other, then remove the top pan and bake another 10 minutes or until golden brown. I signed up to bake bread for our school St. Patrick's Day buffet and thought it would be fun to make a traditional Irish soda bread. I spent time searching and reading a variety of recipes and opted for this one by @LetsDishRecipes. It was simple and the finished product looked, and tasted, delicious.

Personally, challah bread is still my favorite to make and eat yet this was fun and think it was a good fit to accompany corned beef and cabbage. I added butter to my slice, which I don't usually do when I tried it on Sunday yet with the other flavors and seasonings of the full Irish dinner, it was perfect. I made two loaves, so doubled the recipe, so I could make one using Epicure's cake pan and another using the ones I have from when I took cake decorating classes.
I am SO IMPRESSED with the rise and extra moisture with the one made using Epicure's cake pan. An observation: When I lifted Epicure's cooking grade silicone, the steam and moisture released yet when I removed the other, there wasn't much steam. Now I need to save up and add a couple more of Epicure's 8" cake pan so I can make two at a time with the same beautiful rise and moisture. To order the Epicure 8" Cake pans, click here.
Click here for the link to the recipe I used.
Have you tried a new recipe lately?
If so, what was it? Will you share?

Brighter Days Are Coming...Are you Ready?

This past weekend reminded me of brighter days are in our future. So many are focused on how life changed a year ago due to COVID. Yes, it has changed yet I think we, as a family, community, and nation are stronger because of all we've gone through. 

As I wrote my blogs for the week, sunshine filled each window. The temperature was still quite chilly yet to watch the shadows dance in the sunshine uplifted my spirits so much. It always amazes me how sunshine and daylight have the ability to uplift one's spirits so much. In a couple weeks it will be warm enough to sit on the deck and read. Walks to the lake will be common, and better yet...family visits and gatherings can be socially distanced when outdoors. Life is looking up.

I pray you look outside and see the sunshine and know that God is shining brighter than any darkness the world attempts. We've got this!
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
How does the light encourage and uplift you?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Order Your Next Read

Thank you to those reading my Lenten devotional, I pray you are blessed and look forward to the next day's read. A special thank you to those who have reached out and shared how the devotional has personally been a joy for you.

Anytime I'm preparing for a speaking event, a podcast, or writing a blog or the next book...I start with prayer. I pray for my readers throughout the process and upon the release. I create to encourage, inspire, and uplift. One thing remains the same today as it was when I began this journey, I want others to know God loves them and when we keep our eyes focused on God and strengthening our faith.

How do you do this, let me share. There are a few ways: through reading our Bible, attending church services, small groups, Bible study and using the gifts God's given and blessed you/us, with. The T.O.P.'S Tuesday series started prior to the release of my second book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, as a way to share the publication process and upcoming speaking events.

​This was one of my mom's favorite blogs each week. Someone stopped me earlier this week and said, "Lisa, we are enjoying your book. Keep writing!" I had tears in my eyes because the last note my wrote me said, "Lisa, keep writing!" For me, this was a kiss and message of love from heaven and meant more than this person could ever know. Which book are you ordering next?

Happy Saturday...Be the Best You, You Can Be

A late evening post yet it's done before Midnight, lol. I spent my day visiting with family we haven't seen, other than through car windows since COVID.

It was a joyous and blessed day, to say the least. The sound of laughter and memories made will warm and relax me through the busy week.

As you enjoy the lost hour of sleep tomorrow and gear up for the busy week, remember to focus on the things that make your heart sing, these are the blessings. God will take care of the rest! Make memories and leave the rest to God!