![]() Happy Thursday! Can you believe we are in the latter stretch of April 2021? There are moments when it feels like thirteen months into a pandemic and then other times, it is business as usual. Then there are the moments, after seeing my doctor for my yearly physical, that I'm reminded of dramatic pauses in all aspects of life over the past thirteen months. He was friendly and honest in pointing out my five pound weight gain and the importance of monitoring my food and increasing movement, since I am getting older. Ugh...the O-L-D word again. Here's the deal, I believe you are only as old as you feel. I walked into my physical ready to have him congratulate me on toning up and losing 2 pant sizes but all the doctor sees is the scale and a 5 lb. gain. It's not about the scale. It's not about the numbers. It's about how we feel. Prior to this appointment, I was feeling good and proud of the hard work. I walked out of the appointment defeated and ready to quit. Have you ever felt this way? Am I alone? Why am I sharing this with you? Here's the deal, doctors don't know everything. They are scientist and look at numbers. It took me more than a week to process this visit. My doctor didn't intend to destroy my hope, crush my spirit, or de-motivate me...in the past, his hard truths motivated me to work and push harder. A week later, this is where I'm at, ready to push harder and be more diligent with my exercise routine. I invested in some reading to help me learn about my body and how it metabolizes and works as I near the wonderful and magical fifty years old. My metabolism might slow down. The doctor might only look at numbers BUT this girl plans to bust a move and invest in my health. It's not about the number,
|
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!

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!
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?

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.

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.
Have you tried a new recipe lately?
If so, what was it? Will you share?

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?

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!

While I'm happy there is a place for snow removal at my father's house, allowing him to get in and out of his garage...I miss the ease of going to the cottage to write. Would you like to hear the good news? The sun was out this weekend and the temperatures neared 30 degrees, which means, snow is melting. I dropped some treats to my Dad today and peeked at the snow bank to realize that after a few more warmer days, I might be able to go to my writer's cottage THIS coming weekend! Yippee!
I'm spending the week mentally preparing for what I'll work on. I know I'm changing my "drawing board" out for my next book. I'm excited! I've been puttsing on my writing at home but I'm not as focused or productive because I struggle to ignore the things needing my attention. At the cottage on the other hand, all I feel and see is...creativity!
If you live in a colder climate, what do you look forward to doing as the weather warms up and the daylight hours are longer? In addition to writing, working in the garden and going for walks outside are on my list.
plan to do when the weather warms up?

The response to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey was overwhelming and the feedback I received blessed me and encouraged my family. The goal to encourage one was magnified yet it wasn't until last year that I understood God has more for me to write. He has more for me to share.
The idea to write a devotional was not on the top of my to do-list yet when God places it on your heart, you obey. A Journey to Easter, birthed pre-Covid, was fun to write and healing. As I wrote some of the devotionals it was evident there is still a lot of work to do within me. I hope you'll order this and let God speak to your heart. The feedback I'm receiving from current readers is one of blessings, encouragement, and hope.

As we move into the final weeks before Easter, have you found it possible to let go of a bad habit (or two) and start some new ones? Are the new habits and routines drawing you closer to Jesus? Do you have an accountability partner? If you could add one thing to your daily agenda today, what would it be? Why?
How are you drawing closer to God
this Lenten Season?

Our children and grandchildren need to know it's important to embrace who they are on the inside and have the courage to let others see this side of them too.
The next generation looks up to us and if we aren't sharing our #StrongSelfieSaturday, then how can we expect them to. Instead of turning on the filters, let your sweat be your sparkle and the smile be evidence of the hard work you spend each day to be the positive role model the next generation needs. Let go of the filter and hold onto the traits that endure and make you who you are...
Do you have the courage to share a #StrongSelfie
with no makeup, workout or work clothes,
and your beautiful/handsome smile?
Categories
All
2017 Goals
A Mother's Monday
Delta Lake
Fitness Friday
Guest Blogger
One-Thousand Gifts
Ride For Missing Children
Sewing And Crocheting
Speaking
Thankful Thursday
The River's End Bookstore
Tops Tuesday
Writers Wednesday
Archives
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010