Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 89

A Farmer's Market Proclamation...See You LATER THIS AFTERNOON!

National Farmers' Market Week proclamation
Oswego County Legislators meeting Last year I started to attend the New Haven Town's Farmer's Market on Monday afternoons/evenings. I met a lot of people and enjoyed the time spent with others from our town and visitors passing through. 

This year, there is double the vendors with a greater variety of items for sale. Last week a young lady joined the market, she makes tu-tus - they are super cute. (note: She will not be here tonight due to a scheduling conflict but returns next week) This week, a current vendor, Terri Groh, author, crafter, and now baker...will have fresh baked breads and homemade jams. While you enjoy a cool breeze, time outside, or at work - Terri's home is heated to the brink as she bakes the bread this afternoon. Yum!

What else can you get at the New Haven Farmers' Market?

*jewelry
*dog treats/snacks (homemade and I believe she has an organic recipe too, I think)
*FRESH produce (a couple different vendors)
*hot dogs (so you can get dinner)
*books written by local authors (Lisa M Buske, Terri Groh)
*plastic canvas creations of all kinds
*handmade (all natural) soaps
*aprons, hand bags, and other hand sewn items
*Young Living Essential Oils
*hand crafted wooden plaques & signs (she will also make them to order, bring your picture/idea with you when you come, this is my Mom and Dad's mode of relaxation)
*hand-made tu-tu's
*looking for a photographer? (ask at the tu-tu tent to see her portfolio books)

In addition, each week, there is usually someone there just for the week too. We are located right on State Route 104, it doesn't require you to get off the beaten path either. Simply pull to the side, stop and get your goodies, and return back on the road to your destination. 

Last week, I had the honor of joining Debra Allen at the Oswego County Legislature meeting to receive the "National Farmers' Market Week" proclamation for our town of New Haven. I learned while there, farmers' markets happen all but one day of the week in Oswego County. If I get a list, I'll include them in a future Monday blog. 

Stop by and say "Hi!" ~ we look forward to seeing you. I try to post pictures on my Facebook page each week too so you can see what is available at the market. See you on Monday! New Haven Farmers' Market
Mondays 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
New Haven Town Hall 
4279 State Route 104

THIS WEEK - HOMEMADE BREADS & JAMS!


August 4th is New Haven's Celebratory Market 
with special guests and things to do for the kiddos

Is there a Farmers' Market in your town/city?
Post the day and time below in a comment to let others know of this great opportunity to support local farmers, crafters, bakers, authors, and more. Thank you in advance.

A Visit To Fort Ontario ~ Oswego, New York

https://www.facebook.com/FortOntario Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Fort Ontario after joining town clerk at the legislative council's meeting. I'll post about that on Monday, for today, I want to share about this nugget of history and fun in my back yard, well, less than thirty minutes anyway by car.

We had a fun day taking photographs and learning new things about the fort itself, war history, and even tidbits about the city of Oswego itself, as it relates to the Fort. We asked questions, they answered in detail and with enthusiasm. Many smiles and photographs filled our day.  We didn't want to keep this treasure to ourselves so we're sharing more information about the Fort, upcoming events, prices, and hours in this blog. I don't get anything for this, unless you want to count the joy of knowing another family might spend a day making memories while absorbing some of our American history in Oswego County. I hope this helps and saves you time in your research - there are links to the Facebook page and Website too. We walked through each building, reading some of the great information displayed but mostly, taking photographs. Two hours later, we left with still more to read the next time we visit. In addition to the daily offerings, there are special events and reenactments. 

Visit the Friends of the Fort website: 
http://www.fortontario.com/ 

Like their Facebook page too:
https://www.facebook.com/FortOntario
Admission :
$4 Adults
$3 Seniors/Students
$2 per person, group - adults
$1 per person, group - students
Children 12 and under Free Summer Happenings
July 6 INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS

July 26-27 HARBORFEST

August 2 PLAY - THE GREAT ROPE

August 13 LECTURE - CIVIL WAR

August 16-17  CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT

August 27 LECTURE: FORT ONTARIO WEATHER TOWER
 Hours of Operation
2014 Season
 
7/1 - 9/1:       
Mondays - Saturdays, 10 am - 4:30 pm
Sundays, 12 pm - 4:30 pm

9/3 - 10/12:  
Wednesdays - Saturdays, 10 am - 4:30 pm
Sundays, 12 pm - 4:30 pm 
(Closed Monday & Tuesday)

Open Monday holidays during the season.

See more at: http://nysparks.com/historic-sites/20... For more information:
call (315) 343 4711 On their Facebook page you will learn daily fun history facts and also stay up-to-date with upcoming events at the fort. In addition to touring the actual fort, you can enjoy lunch in one of the picnic areas, visit the original cemetery, walk down a slight hill to the lake, or cross the road to visit the Safe Haven museum. It really is a day of fun, family, and learning in the process.  So much to do and see,
stop in and enjoy it all! Have you ever visited Historic Fort Ontario? 
Will you share a memory below?

What does "fight like a girl" mean to you?

"Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect." Romans 12:12

Have you ever thought about this phrase, "Fight Like a Girl" and what it means? As a child, better yet tween and teen, if the neighborhood boys said, "You throw like a girl." or "You run like a girl.", I got very upset and hurt. Why did I let their comments get to me? Silly, right? I don't think so.

I was more of the tom-boy of a girl in my youth. I spent more time riding my blue BMX bicycle and trudging through the creek with the boys than I did laying in the sun with my female friends. Even at a young age I found laying around to absorb sun to be a waste of time. 

Of course, as most teen girls will agree, I had my phase of sun tanning and using Sun-In to lighten (bleach, lol) my hair. BUT most of my youth was spent riding my bicycle, hiking, swimming, and doing...active and keeping up with the boys.

So if I was spending the majority of my time doing the "boyish" type activities, why did I let their words effect me? It wasn't any desire to be a boy yet I wanted to be considered an equal, not the weaker.
As an adult I look back and think of the countless, wasted, and silly tears and overflows of emotion spent dwelling on "being a girl". Good golly, God designed me to be a girl so I should embrace this. I wish this realization hit me when I was a child but I think in the late seventies & early eighties, this was the mentality. 

Now to discuss the root and inspiration for this blog, "personal hygiene products", "sanitary napkins", or whatever your Momma called them to you. How many people remember the terrible, long, and embarrassing commercials for female products that came on when your Father, parents, younger siblings, or friends were sitting in the living room watching a family show? Come on, did your shoulders tense? Did your head shake? Did you just bust out laughing? I'm sure you had some response.

These commercials were my nemesis as a teen, as if figuring out who I was wasn't difficult enough, I have to see torpedo pads on the television screen absorbing blue liquid, seriously? Some of you are laughing because I obviously have post sanitary napkin stress disorder. But really, what if we had a commercial like the one below to advertise the same products. This is the commercial of this day and age, check it out and then join me for the rest of the blog. If you don't watch this short commercial, you'll miss the point. 

"Your heart will be where your treasure is...
For you created my inmost being; 
you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Matthew 6:21; Psalm 139: 13 &14

First of all, this commercial inspires me and encourages me, and young girls to embrace being a girl and the best they can be. Do you know who shared this commercial with me the first time? My teen daughter! Rather than being ashamed or discouraged for being female, she recognizes the blessing and gift her design is. 


May we remember the very little girls who gave it all while we are able, imagine all we could accomplish...it ends with "Why can't 'run like a girl' also mean win the race?" 

Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs,
 but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!

1 Corinthians 9:24

This quote and Bible verse transitions me to another fight, a "fight like a girl" that exemplifies this thinking. If you or a loved one has battled breast cancer, your perception of this phrase is strength, endurance, perseverance, and love. Let's start today to "fight like a girl" in everything we do ~ with these same amazing qualities while we can enjoy and live life to the fullest. Rather than bury them as we get older or wait until the fight of our life - live each day as a girl...if for no other reason than God made you one and you should be proud!  Share this with the girls in your life who might need the reminder..
We are girls and proud of it! Share a thought or two below.

The Train Ride of Life: Remembering Brian Sullivan

Barbara Sullivan's son, Brian, has been missing seven years as of yesterday, from the Rochester area. If you recognize Brian or have information, contact the family.

I read the following poem on Barbara's Facebook page today and want to share it with all of you. The author is unknown, yet its illustration is comforting.

Prayers and hope for Brian and his family during this difficult anniversary week.
The families of the missing NEVER GIVE UP HOPE! At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel at our side. However, at some station our parents 
will step down from the train, 
leaving us on this journey alone. 

As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant - 
i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. 

Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize that they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. 

Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring 
that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: 
We do not know at which station 
we ourselves will step down. 


So we must live in the best way, 
love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. 
It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will 
continue to travel on the train.

I wish you a joyful journey 
on the train of life. 
Reap success and give lots of love.
 Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.
~ Author unknown ~ Photos taken by Katie Towner - used with her permission.
Click on any photo for a direct link to the Facebook page 
or Website for more information about Brian's disappearance and his family's plea. Feel free to leave words of encouragement for Brian's family and friends during this difficult week...Thank you in advance!

TOP'S Tuesday: YOU are a RAINBOW: From Idea to Book...

Yesterday was a busy and different day than originally planned BUT we had fun and there was much laughter, and exercise. To celebrate the release of my first children's book, YOU are a Rainbow, I planned a celebration at the local farmer's market. Why a market? For a couple reasons. First, I'm there on Monday afternoons from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. anyway, and two... why not?

The way I saw it, in addition to sharing my new book, it would also get the word out about our small town's cute market, located on State Route 104 in the heart of New Haven. One thing none of us planned on was the severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for the afternoon.
The threat of rain and high winds kept half the vendors home, and our usual flow of people. Life is about choices, so those of us at the market decided to enjoy the cool breeze and become a team to hold the tents down when the large gust came through. We kept looking for a rainbow so we could take pictures but it didn't rain hard enough, which is probably a good thing. 

Since the announcement of this book, and then yesterday's release chatter on social media, there have more asking, "So what is your children's book about Lisa?" Yesterday's blog shared a little and today, I'll go a little deeper. The inspiration behind the book, a great group of kiddos who each modeled at least one or more of the characteristics listed in the book throughout our year together. But what is the book about? It's about spending time with your child and/or the children in your circle of life. This book is about investing time to slow down and read with, and to, those hungry to listen and learn. What You are a Rainbow lacks in plot and story line, it makes up for with conversation starters and compliments. I included a sample page in yesterday's blog to illustrate how the acronym unfolds. Seven pages, seven colors of the rainbow, and seventy-seven positive characteristics to share with your children. There might be a little hidden fun too. A Closer Look at the Process from Idea to Book... Step One:
Mary and I spent time taking photographs of different flowers fitting in the ROYGBIV color pattern. While enjoying walks, driving around, and spending time together...we looked for just the right color and flower for each page.

We took nearly 80 photographs, of different flowers, with different angles and lighting. Once home, I downloaded the pictures so we could view them on a larger screen. Some had us return to the same flower for a different angle or different lighting to capture what I saw in my head. Mags helped me narrow it down to two of each color and then I selected the flower of choice for each page.

This collage of the photographs, taken by Mary Buske, represent the main photos I used as a visual aid to sketch and paint each flower used in the book. Thanks Mags. Step Two:
I emailed the photographs to my Kindle Fire so I could work on the sketches during my breaks, while sitting at my parents, or wherever I might be. A benefit of bringing them with me via the Kindle Fire, was the ability to re-size the photo for a closer look.

With the sketches complete, it was time to start painting. This process required more time than I thought. I have a new appreciation for painting and the artists that create them using water colors. I never thought it would be easy but I hadn't expected the necessary time and variety of strokes and techniques. I learned so much.

Supplies: The trip to the store proved to be interesting because I've only seen water colors in the tray we use in the elementary school. It was amazing to see the tubes of water color. I picked up the starter kit, water color paint brushes, a basic $.99 paint tray, and a pad of water color paper. I returned home apprehensive yet excited. 

I laughed a lot in the beginning. Laughter is a nervous reaction of mine. I wanted the flowers to be just right and I had an image in my head and prayed to transfer it to the paper.  Step Three:
With the completed flower, it was time to prepare the rainbow back drops. Each page is a rainbow, different on each page - just like each child is an individual and unique. Once the watercolor was dry, I cut around the flower to remove the white background. Some of this required using an artist's exacto knife (not sure of the official name of this tool) to get between the petals. The cut flower was then glued on top of the coordinating page.

For instance, the red flower went on the paper with the thickest line in the rainbow being red. 

An underlying lesson in the book, each page is organized to match the color scheme of the rainbow:  R - red,  A - orange, I - yellow, N - Green, B - Blue, O - Indigo, and W - violet.

I allowed time for the glue to try before going to the next step.  Step Four:
With the page graphics ready, it was time to add the words. I spent too many hours to count for the research for this part of the book. My initial lists for each letter had many words, as I thought of them, I wrote them down. I carried my notepad for this book with me wherever I went, just in case. In addition to the words brainstormed, I looked up characteristics I saw in the kiddos in my class, that didn't start with R, A, I, N, B, O, or W, in my handy thesaurus. 

For some of the letters, the list of words was overwhelming where others lacked the oomph I was looking for. More time in the research and word play. In order to narrow down the word lists to a reasonable and fair number of adjectives per page, I looked up each word on my lists and hand wrote the definitions. 

With definitions in hand, I read and reread them, eliminating words that didn't work and highlighting the ones that I new MUST be included. Then the tough calls needed to be made. How many words? Could one have more than the other or should they be the same? I decided each should have the same number of words, but how many words? Yikes, more decisions to be made.  

The way I determined how many words tied into the research I'm doing for the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey . While reading and praying, a common number came to mind so I decided this would be the number of words in the book and on each page for my first children's book. A quiet and soft reminder to forgive without listing "forgiveness" as an attribute, since there are no /f/'s in the word, rainbow. Matthew writes, "Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." in Chapter eighteen, verses twenty-one and twenty-two. While there aren't hundreds of words, there is an aspect of seven.  Step Five:
With the painting, cutting, research, and writing complete, it was time to scan and upload each into my computer. Once scanned, I used my computer to add the "You are..." to each page. 

One of my favorite things with each page is the 3-D effect the flowers have on the page. I purposely didn't tape my watercolor papers so they would lift, I hoped the dimension would maintain its integrity when scanned, it did! From /R/ to /W/, the colors order of the rainbow is modeled and positive characteristics are displayed.

A rainbow complete and ready to shine and inspire others...especially the kiddos. Step Six:
My hope was for the kids to finish listening to this story and see the rainbow with his or herself. One way I planned to make this notion a reality was by painting and creating a page for you to paste/tape a photo of your kiddo in the circle and have him or her read, "I am a rainbow". 

After they've heard you read the story to them, when they start to read it to themselves or their younger relatives and friends, they will be speaking these positive truths into their hearts and mind. I pray it helps them to be the child God designed and created them to be. Step Seven:
As I waited for the proof book to arrive and reread my notes and the draft ideas came to mind of how this book could be used in different ways within the elementary classroom and even into the middle and high school settings. By the time my first proof arrived, I had the "Ways to use This Book" page finished and added it to the book and submitted the revision to the publisher. I like this addition and its one reason a teacher order multiple copies to gift to her fellow teachers. I'm in the process of putting together an actual "Additional Resources" guide to go along with this book - copy ready activities. This should be available next month. Step Eight:
Release and read...

The first child to the market today, Kaleb, made my afternoon. He and his mom, Tiffiny, encouraged me more than they might realize. It brought such joy to read some of the book to him, picking a few of the positive attributes from the book I see in him. The cherry on top of this great moment, his mom captured it with her camera and shared them with me on Facebook. 

Has this filled in some of the blanks and mystery about YOU are a Rainbow? I hope so. May this book encourage our future...the kids. YOU are a Rainbow!
Who do you know that might need some inspiration?

Book Release Celebration THIS AFTERNOON..."You are a RAINBOW"

BOOK RELEASE CELEBRATION TONIGHT
3 P.M. - 6 P.M.
New Haven Town Farmer's Market
State Route 104
Town of New Haven, New York
Held in front of the town offices
Hazzy's Tavern is across the Road A goal and dream I've had was to release a children's book to help parents explain kidnapping and abduction to children in a non-threatening or fearful way. I thought this would be my first children's book yet God had other plans.

Last month I presented "collector copies" of YOU are a Rainbow to the kindergarten class I worked with, as their year-end gift. After all, they were the inspiration behind this book. 

Their energy, drive, and smiles provided daily encouragement for me and I found a renewed love to teach and spark the next generation to be the best he or she can be. Shortly after Christmas God placed this book on my heart but I couldn't figure out how to illustrate what was in my head. 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Get your copy today! I try to be a no stress writer, because if it's work, then I don't want to do it. So I carried the folder and notepad of ideas with me, wherever I went. When an idea came to my mind, I wrote it down. 

My initial target audience was your 4 -6 year old students but as I prayed and planned, God showed me there are many who need to know they are a RAINBOW. YOU are a Rainbow, in fact.  Ready to paint... Photo walk to take pictures... A sample page from the book... I had someone ask, "Could a special needs child read this?" My answer, this book is for everyone - young or old, struggling or advanced reader. This book is written to be read to a child, class of students, children at youth group, or even a group of adults. 

It isn't your typical story. No plot or conflict. No underlying theme. There are seven pages of "story", each representing a letter and color of the alphabet. RAINBOW is actually the acronym I used to bring this book to life, even though YOU is the word highlighted on the cover. Both are important, YOU and the colors within, your personal rainbow.

This is not an error. I did it on purpose. I placed the emphasis on YOU so that whoever picks up this book to read will know they are special, have potential and matter. Seven story pages, eleven words on each page, and opportunities to start important, necessary, and life-changing conversations with those you read it with.

One teacher ordered thirteen copies. After thanking her, I asked "Why so many copies?" Her response touched my heart so much. She bought a copy to gift to each teacher in her building because she enjoyed the book so much. She said, "When I saw the extension activities in the back, I knew each teacher needs a copy of this in their classroom." 

I am humbled and amazed yet thankful because you see, I'm working on a "Resource Guide" for teachers and youth leaders to purchase as a supplemental, with worksheets and activities ready to go - all the teacher/leader will need to do is make the copies. I hope to have this available by the end of the summer, in time for school in case teachers want to use it this year. I understand the time constraints in the classroom and the importance of finding ways to incorporate writing into their routines. I'll share more about how this book transitioned from an idea to reality throughout the week - hope to see you tonight at the New Haven Farmer's Market, State Route 104, New Haven, New York, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Books are $10. I'll have copies of all five of my books with me tonight - if you can't make it. 

Books are available on Amazon.com or I'm at the market most Monday's through September. I'm also scheduling speaking engagements for the Fall and into Spring 2015. See you tonight - rain won't stop me from being there. Who knows? Maybe there will be a RAINBOW over and at the market.... *NOTE* If the market is canceled due to rain - 
I will post here on the blog and on Facebook and Twitter.
Pray the rain stops and the sun comes out...
Maybe we'll have a rainbow over the market this afternoon?

A Photographic Journey through Psalm 61: Year of the Lord's Favor

The Year of the Lord’s Favor
Psalm 61 NIV

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 
to proclaim freedom for the captives 
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favorI
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
     and provide for those who grieve in Zion--
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.
Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
    foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
And you will be called priests of the Lord,
    you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
    and in their riches you will boast.

Instead of your shame
    you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
    you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

“For I, the Lord, love justice;
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
    and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
    that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”

I delight greatly in the Lord;
    my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
    and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
    and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
    and praise spring up before all nations. A tidbit to share: BibleGateway.com is a great resource to look up Bible verses online. You can look up multiple verses at one time too. This is a tool I use often when looking up verses by topic or doing researching.  Did you notice the tree before I zoomed in?

Come to the Oswego County Fair 2014 - I'm Here TODAY!

Thursday ~ July 3, 2014 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Oswego County Fairgrounds
Ellisburg St.
Sandy Creek, NY ~ Exit 37 - Interstate 81  I remember going to the Oswego County Fair, located in Sandy Creek, New York as a child with my parents or aunts. I even went with my aunt and uncle, to watch my cousins show their cows in hopes of qualifying for the State Fair. When our daughter was little, I made her a dress and entered her in one of the baby contest. She won a couple years in a row for different categories. Great memories. 

Last year, my memory of the county fair multiplied because instead of attending as a daughter, sister, niece, or mom...I was there as Lisa M Buske, author and speaker. The weather last year was rainy and not your ideal fair day yet it was a wonderful and busy day. I met so many great people and heard their stories of how God worked or was working in their lives. I saw past students and friends we haven't seen in months, if not years. Prior to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey , the idea of going to a speaking engagement, book signing, or event like the fair induced stress. It wasn't the visiting or interacting with others because this is one of my favorite aspects of being an author. It was the subject matter, would be people want to talk about the case? 

I know my sister's kidnapping is one of the first missing children cases in the county and one of the bigger unsolved cases in the area but my goal is writing and speaking is to introduce others to Heidi, my sister, and person...not the missing person's poster. I'm so thankful, for the majority, no one asks about the case. Instead, they want to know about Heidi and the things they can't read in a newspaper. God is using one eighteen year old's kidnapping to ways I was unable to see over twenty years ago. If you are looking for a family friendly and fun activity tomorrow, stop by the Oswego County Fair and say hello to local authors in the "Domestic Arts" building. I know teen author, Alyshia Hull, and romance author Eileen Parsons will be there too. I'll have books with me by Amy Quonce also.Not sure who else, if you want to know ~ you'll have to visit.

My hubby was staying the whole day with me but our daughter is sick so the plans have changed a bit but I'll still be there. Hope to see there! Be sure to check Facebook during the day, 
I'll try to post pictures of the authors 
and hopefully some visitors too. 
I'm sure a selfie with Alyshia Hull is in plan. See you at the fair...

Sometimes We Just Need to Focus ~ Part II

The other day I posted the first of two parts to this blog. To read Part I, click on the purple columbine or here. In life, sometimes we look at things and are blinded by the the glow of opportunities. Other times, the tears of grief or tragedy fog our vision and make it hard to see. Then there are times when we get something in our eye that doesn't belong there and it makes it difficult to keep your eyes open and see. 

Our spiritual life can do the same thing. When we are reading the Bible every day, attending church regularly, and nurturing friendships with other believers...it's easier to recognize and appreciate all life has to offer. On a similar note, when we let life take over and stop opening our Bibles and talking with God...life gets blurry. Rather than write a lot at you today, yesterday's devotional seemed to deliver the very message I've shared with you and planned to wrap up today. So instead of Lisa, listen to the words written by Sarah Young in her book, Jesus Calling.

Have a great night and may we all maintain our clarity so life doesn't get blurry. #wsite-video-container-984742720144871094{ background: url(//www.weebly.comhttp://www.lisambuske.com/uploads/4/7/9/2/4792487/910303300298193218_435.jpg); } #video-iframe-984742720144871094{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1404338018); } #wsite-video-container-984742720144871094, #video-iframe-984742720144871094{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-984742720144871094{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1404338018); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } How is your vision feeling? Blurry or clear...

TOP's Tuesday: More than a Writers' Group...We're Family

Last night, my writers' group gathered for a dinner and time of fellowship. We only met a couple times in the past year, with the last time we were all together being over  a year ago. Eight women trying to coordinate one night a month to gather is a challenge yet one we tried to conquer. Instead of a typical writers' critique group, we met at Teddy's Restaurant in Rome, New York. Why no work and all play? Well, it is time for our friend, author, and group leader to move on to the adventure in her life.  Elaine W. Miller, joins her husband near Corning, New York, as he starts his retirement. We are sad to see Elaine leave the area yet excited for the opportunities God has before she and Dan as they minister through joint marriage retreats and presentations. Elaine will continue to speak and travel with her books, yet the schedule and demands will be lessened and the quality time with her groom, increased.

Elaine spearheaded this writers' critique group and inspired each of us in different ways. We were all grateful for the opportunity to come together last night. We may never all meet again, as a group of eight, but the lessons, benefits, and memories we created in the past four years are bountiful and life changing for each of us.
To learn more, visit Elaine's Blog and check out her books:

Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms
We All Married Idiots: Three Things You Will Never Change About Your Marriage And Ten Things You Can

Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for  Drained Wives

In the center of our photo above is Melissa and Diane. Melissa (center) organized this wonderful evening and even made the beautiful matching bracelets you see in the last photograph. Her energy, love of the Lord, and writing brought tears to our eyes each time she shared. She has a way with words that opens your heart to God's message. There could be seven of us listening and we each heard a different, and powerful message through her writing. She writes for her church bulletin, poetry, and others. We are excited for the day she takes the next step to publish. Go Melissa! Diane Estrella, to my right in the photo, is our technology and Internet guru. She keeps up on the newest social media and ways to better market our writing, speaking, and books. Diane is also an amazing writer, one we continue to encourage to share and take the next step. She has many writings but my favorite is a children's series, I pray and hope she finishes it soon. Mags volunteered to be her BETA reader. I'll do it to, I love what I've read already and want more. Hint, hint, Diane.

In addition to her Internet savvy and writing, Diane is blogger extraordinaire. Her blog, "That's What I'm Here For", is a wealth of fun, information, give-aways, and so much more. I marvel at all she accomplishes and maintains, in addition to homeschooling and all she's involved in. She is our go-to-gal when we're in need of guidance for the marketing aspect of our lives. Her joy and knowledge always encourage us. Be sure to check out and subscribe to her blog, you never know, you might win a book or some cool product while enjoying a laugh at the same time. Diane is keeping it real, we love this!
In this photo, to the left of Elaine is Amy Quonce. She joined our writers' group. Her first publication is an anthology of stories written by herself and others in the Oswego County to encourage families living with kiddos of special needs. Sometimes the Wind Blows Sideways is an anthology of hope and encouragement.

Since this venture, she has since published two more books: Her first book, Breaking the Silence , is a fictional read, and her most recent book, The First 30 Days in Heaven , is written after the sudden death of her husband at such a young age.  In the front of this photo, is Mary. Mary's honest and bold writing keeps us focused and driven to write with a similar boldness and love for the Lord. She is published in many magazines, newspapers, and literary pieces. Mary's writing style holds people accountable and challenges anyone who reads her writing, to ask, "Am I doing and being all I can be and/or do?" Mary also has a blog, Look, Listen, and Think , offers a similar challenge. Be prepared to be challenged as you read Mary's writing. Moving to the other side of the photo, we have, Jody (back left), Paula (green shirt to the right), and Mary (front). Three strong woman with so much to offer, challenging and tightening my writing with each group meeting.

Jody is a college professor, writer, and author. Jody's list of published works is long ( click on photo or here to see them all ), with one of my favorites to be released this year. I can't wait until she makes the announcement, it's a fabulous children's book.  Check out her blog, Deep Calls to Deep , to stay tuned to the release and more.

Next, we have Paula. Our devotional guru. Her closeness and love for God is always inspiring. Her blogs offer encouragement and hope, Paula's perspective comes with integrity and honesty to inspire and draw other woman closer to God. Her blog, Sharing a Peace in the Puzzle of Life , is a snip-it into her heart and desires for others. Her Christmas devotional, Cherish this Christmas , continues to encourage others. She has others in the works, keep your eyes and ears open.
And finally, there is me. If it wasn't for Elaine W. Miller, I probably wouldn't have pushed forth to revise and finish Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey . If it wasn't for this group of ladies prayers, input, feedback, critiques, and love...it may still be a file in my cabinet. A silent help to this was Miss Vie, while she didn't attend our group, God used her in mighty was to expand and challenge my writing. 

Since joining this group in 2010, I've published five books, my newest book, You are a Rainbow , releases this month. It's available on Amazon.com now, actually, you can get it cheaper online than I can sell it for - so feel free to order online and bring it to one of my book signings to have it signed, it will save you money. 

Other books by me: When the Waves Subside: There is Hope - written for the grieving parent to encourage them of their inner strength and beauty.  Encourage Others: One Day at a Time , is an organizational tool to keep track of life's important dates in the lives of those you love and interact with.

No More Pain: I Can Fly , is a short story written to encourage those grieving the loss of a loved one or friend, too soon. A special thanks and shout of love and appreciation 
to my writers' critique group. 
We started as writers then transitioned 
to friends, and now...family.