I spent a good part of yesterday in my Writer's Cottage enjoying time reading, researching, and even doing some writing. It was wonderful to escape from the to-do-lists, laundry, and pet hair for a few hours. A day off from school equals a day of writing and work at the cottage. These moments haven't been plentiful, actually, I think yesterday was the first time since school started that I was able to spend a substantial amount of time.

Upon my departure, I let off a fogger so Mr. Spider and family, taking up residence, understand whose cottage it is. Did I mention I'm allergic to spider bites, as one landed on my arm while writing, it was a comical scene. Thankfully no one else was around to witness my scream, spider toss, and jumping out of the chair. I don't typically freak out but that spider startled me and I let it know.

Anyway, I shared on Monday's podcast, that I've put my fiction book on hold for a time. I feel God calling me to write something different. While at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference in July, then at the Oswego Writing Institute in August, I felt God nudging me in one direction but I couldn't pinpoint where He was leading (Holy Spirit nudge #1). I believed it was this fictional story yet, as fun as this process is, I didn't feel like it was what God wants me to write yet I didn't know where to go with clarity so I kept writing the fiction because at least I was writing.

In September, a conversation stirred something in me (Holy Spirit nudge #2) and lead my thoughts, prayers, and writing mind in a different direction. I brushed it aside until last week when a third conversation (Holy Spirit nudge #3) opened my eyes during a time of quiet, mindful, reflective prayer. It was as if The Light came on within me.

I understood the first two nudges and the direction to move forward. The human within me second guessed the Holy Spirit's leading but thank goodness, my faith and quiet time helped to shed understanding, direction, and purpose to this new writing project. This past Saturday I didn't make it to my cottage but I banged out 1,745 words for this new project and spent time reading and researching on Sunday. Monday offered the opportunity for time to continue the work done at at home and some serious writing at the cottage.

It was because of my time spent in prayer and being open to hear from God that I recognized the direction He was leading. I made a mindful and conscious effort. I want to thank my Dad again for making my writer's cottage a reality, it is a HUGE blessing and inspiration!! Love you Dad!

One thing I've prioritized with the new school year is making sure to get my workouts in. I'm not there four or five times a week like I'd like to but at least I'm getting there three times a week. I hired a personal trainer for the summer to learn how to use weights and other equipment to improve my health. It was a success.

At the start of the school year, I went to twice a month instead of weekly. I miss the weekly training sessions yet my wallet can't afford it so a change was necessity. The every other week is working but I'm saving in hopes of going back to weekly. Below is a funny comedy clip about going to the gym and he jokes about paying for a trainer at the gym you pay to belong too. I used to have a similar philosophy but since this summer, I get it.

It's because of my trainer that I know how to use the weights and other equipment safely and have a routine that is toning my body. My trainer gets my stressers and helps to guide me in healthier eating and habits to combat stress. In a sense, my trainer is a counselor, my health insurance covers counseling, they should cover my trainer, he is both training my physical fitness and mental fitness. 

What do you think? Should health insurance put some money towards our fitness club memberships and trainers? I do...but it's because I notice the health benefits of working with my trainer weekly versus every other week. Maybe one day insurance will be proactive.

Hey there and happy Tuesday!
Two weeks since I've been on but here I am, kicking off the return on a Tuesday.

I'd like to say I was spending every free minute in my writing cottage after work and on the weekends but this isn't the case. 


What have I been up to?
*Adjusting to the back-to-school schedule and routine
*Getting at least 3 workouts at the gym in each week
*Cleaned my house (finally LOL)
*Found the top of my kitchen table & dryer (my two drop spots - what are yours?)
*Reading a book for fun, "Lost and Found" by Gayle Roper (it's so good, I need more time so I can finish it, yes, it's that good)
*Read a book for a blog review on October 26th, "Hug Everyone You Know" by Antionette Truglio Martin - she is also guest blogging on Oct. 26th so make sure you check it out
*Leading our Fall Women's Bible Study, "Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver - we are learning so much and getting to know each other better too (We are reading the book along with the video Bible study)
*Reading a book to improve my writing and speaking by James M. Watkins, Communicating to Change Lives: In Person and Print - highly recommend
*Eliminated the magazines-to-read-pile until today's purchase of a new one, lol
​*Cleaned out my closets and donated 3 bags of clothes so far (it's a work-in-progress)
*Then of course the everyday this-n-that of being a mom, wife, niece, and educator

I apologize for not blogging every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday yet after typing this list, I've been busy. Have you ever noticed that we might not realize we did anything but once we take time to reflect (and write it down), we recognize there is a reason some things haven't been done. Something I've learned is to prioritize what NEEDS to be done and put my family and friends first, then the stuff. Tomorrow is not promised. I want to know the people who mean the most to me KNOW they come before any "thing" in this world.

I have a lot on my list that isn't connected to my family yet it is through doing some things for myself this year that I'm more relaxed and better able to be there for my family. We need to remember to care for ourselves or we won't be able to care for our loved ones. It feels good to get some reading and writing done. It might not be here or on the podcast, but God is at work and I'm listening and trying to prioritize and stay focused. 

Next Tuesday I'll talk about the feedback I received on my work-in-progress (WIP). I'm trying my hand at fiction. I have the first 16,000 words finished so I entrusted it to my daughter, an avid reader and honest critic. You'll have to wait until next week to see how it went. Until then, come back on Thursday and Saturday to see what else is going on.

The last corner of the writer's cottage is my writing area, when I opt for a desk. Auntie M stopped to see how the writer's cottage was coming along and said she had the perfect table/desk, "It's just the right size, it will fit perfect." .She was right. In addition to the table, she had a small desk lamp not being used. The combination dressed up the last part of the cottage.

The pencil/paper organizer at the end I've had for a few years and found it at a thrift store for $2. The drawers hold my paperclips, allowing all my essentials at my fingertips yet look neat at all times The chair is from my grandmothers, with a cushion made for my daughter many moons ago.

The last item added was a new dog bed for Faith. Faith wasn't a fan, she prefers my chair when I'm sitting on the floor BUT my dad's dog enjoys it. The cottage isn't big yet the two dogs and I fit nicely and the first day I worked in my new space I banged out over 3,000 words. 

The days when I stopped at the lake or the library after working out, I only wrote between 700 - 1,000. Now I can leave out the notes and such when I'm done for the day and pick up where I left off. No more packing it all into a notebook and binder, and then my bag before driving home. The time saved from not driving to and from my writing spot, setting up to write, and then having to clean up when I'm done so I can drive home equaled about 2,000 words. Woot Woot!

The added bonus is the company I have while working, two dogs and my Dad. Life is good and the writing is even better. Mom is smiling and my daughter likes my writer's cottage, she couldn't believe the transformation. A little insulation board, contact paper, and a lot of love.

This summer I didn't work summer school. Instead I invested time, energy, and money into my writing and speaking. The biggest part was attending the 2019 Montrose Writers' Conference in Montrose, Pennsylvania. The drive was uneventful, beautiful, and quiet. This was a great feat and a fear-facing experience in itself.

​Since 1994, the farthest I've traveled solo is to Clay, New York which is only twenty-five minutes away. I did a happy dance upon my arrival when I got out of the car. It was a good that I was early because other attendees may have avoided the weirdo dancing outside her car. 

After a week of reading, writing, learning, networking, and relaxing I returned home with a renewed energy and spirit. I reconnected with God and myself. This was a much needed time. My family noted the difference before I shared verbally and encouraged me to attend every year. I hadn't realized how much I needed to stop doing and to just chill.

Hubby and I spend a few days traveling locally on his days off and experiencing New York. He had extra days off due to an unexpected lay off. Instead of stressing about this, we prayed and God was faithful. His new job offers more potential for advancement and his mood has been better. God knows more than we do and could see what we couldn't. Hubby and I both needed a change and time of rest and renewal We wouldn't have chosen a job lay off to reconnect with each other and focus on trusting God yet God knows what we need, and gives us this. Needs versus wishes and wants is a good thing. 

The biggest adventure and news all summer is that our baby turned twenty-one years old and starts her senior year of college. I'm not sure how this happened because I still feel like I'm in my twenties but it has. She is a strong and determined young woman with goals and the determination to see it through to completion. We couldn't be prouder of her and we look forward to watching her continue to grow and succeed. 

While wrapping up this final year of her Bachelor's Degree, the hunt for the right Master's Degree program and school is underway. Application submissions open on September 1st, and she is working hard to narrow her choices down to afford the application fees while also ensuring acceptance in at least one. I have a feeling she'll have at least a couple and will have to weigh the pros and cons to choose the Assistanceship best fitting her career goals. Go get em' girl!

A week from today I'll be back in school with a new group of cherubs to educate, inspire, motivate, and encourage. I love my career and look forward to meeting this next generation. I'm glad I took the summer to relax, recharge, and write. The family visits in August wore me out and lifted me up at the same time. We are saving to make the trip to Florida and Indiana next year, and to help our girl move to her final higher education destination. Let the saving begin.

When my Mom was young she won this encyclopedia set. I can't remember exactly how, maybe writing something? I bet my aunt or uncle will remember and be able to tell us but until then this old set of encyclopedias is special to me for a few reasons:
*My mom won them
*My mom valued them and never wanted to get rid of them
*You don't see encyclopedias much anymore since the introduction the Internet

I took this set off my bookshelf at home a couple years ago to make room for more books. I reorganized my shelves and needed the space yet couldn't part with the encyclopedias so I boxed and stored them in Mary's playhouse. As we cleaned out the playhouse and I saw the boxes I told my father I was going to keep the in the writer's cottage. His response, "Of course you are." We both laughed. He asked, "How or what are you doing to do with them? You don't have much space." I shook my head because I had no clue.

Fast forward a week. As I put the contact paper on the walls and ceiling, moving the books from side to side, Dad came in and shared an idea. I needed a bookshelf to store my writing resources and Bibles on yet the monies for shelving would need to wait until fall when school started. Dad's creativity solved these problems. The encyclopedias became the bookshelf, with a little help from Dad.

Dad went to the New Haven Building Supply and purchased a pine board. He cut them to the length of the wall, routered & rounded the edges, and sanded them. I rearranged the books until I had even piles. My Auntie M called to check in and I told her what we were doing, she added her creativity to the mix. She suggested spelling something on the side. I liked the idea and went back to work to make new stacks that would spell a word or two. This took a bit but now the outside spells "Lisa_Wrter" So cool!

Who knew two boxes of encyclopedias would end up making this beautiful and special bookcase. Many minds make light work and creative uses of old and cherished items.

My husband and I visited the Salmon River Falls early in July and were amazed to see a Bald Eagle's Nest. We saw a couple heads pop up on our way by the first time and on our return home. I know my father enjoys birds too so one day, Dad and I went for a drive.

The nest is huge. I took this first picture to show the size of the nest in comparison to the pole it's stationed on, on Route 13 outside of Pulaski, New York. Once Dad and I arrived, we parked on a side road and kept our distance after reading a few facts on the Bald Eagle, if you'd like to learn more, click here.

While watching the nest, I visited the Internet via my phone and read some of the information on the DEC Fact Sheet and about New York State's Bald Eagle Program. One of the first things we realized, we didn't choose a prime movement time to see the parents bring food yet we still sat for about thirty minutes watching the babies. It was a nice time spent visiting with my Dad and learning about the birds we were watching at the same time.

I used my zoom to capture some closer pictures, keeping a safe distance. We didn't want to spook the babies or their mother. The amount of traffic speeding by just below them didn't seem to bother them until a larger dump truck revved its engine, this made their feathers flutter.

​An article on LIVESCIENCE tells, "Bald eagles are large birds of prey native to North America. Since 1782, the bald eagle has been the United States' national emblem and mascot. The bald eagle isn't actually bald; it gets its name because its white head against its dark brown body makes it seem bald from a distance." Read Entire Article Here It's an interesting read.

I've always wondered why the Bald Eagle was our national emblem and mascot, I found an informative article on the American Bald Eagle:
"The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent.
   On the backs of our gold coins, the silver dollar, the half dollar and the quarter, we see an eagle with outspread wings. 
   On the Great Seal of the United States and in many places which are exponents of our nation's authority we see the same emblem.
   The eagle represents freedom. Living as he does on the tops of lofty mountains, amid the solitary grandeur of Nature, he has unlimited freedom, whether with strong pinions he sweeps into the valleys below, or upward into the boundless spaces beyond."
To read the entire article, click here.

The author of the first article debates if the Bald Eagle is the correct bird for our mascot yet the second article offers the reasons it was selected in 1782. Regardless of where you stand on the appropriateness of its selection, I find it to be a beautiful bird and feel blessed to have experienced watching these four babies for a time. I also was twice blessed by the conversation with my Dad as we sat, watched, and took pictures (from a safe distance using the zoom lense).

Today's photo is the way I learned to stay organized during and after attending a writers' conference. The first conference I attended I used a pad of legal paper and over the years have lost multiple pages or they become worn. This time I invested in a moleskin style notebook, a nice cover and binding so it will stay in tack for years to come as I flip through. 

I have removed the handouts from the notebook and they are organized in my registration folder so the notebook doesn't receive unnecessary wear and tear a I revisit the many things I learned this past July. My plan is to re-read all my notes on Columbus Day Weekend to refresh my memory of all I learned. 

For now, I've only opened it to look up something as I'm writing. As I write this next book, I am using my notes as a reference for the structure and style elements. My morning class all week was with author, Gayle Roper. Her knowledge of writing, especially fictional writing, is amazing and I'm blessed to have selected her workshop. The notes taken during her sessions have become invaluable as I move organizing my first fictional book, or novella. Time will tell. Who knows, it may end up a short story, lol.

I'm not a desk sitter for the most part. When I'm writing then I prefer a comfy chair or to sit on the floor. One of my friends, Ethel, passed down this chair a few years back and it is awesome. When you sit down, you sink. It's great.

Since this picture, I brought down a stool to put my feet on. The stool was a retirement gift for my Great-Aunt Judy many years ago. I've also covered the chair with a blanket we had made a few years ago with pictures from my wedding. When I open the door and walk in I see the picture of my parents, Heidi, and I from my wedding day...instant smile and joy. Memories hold power.

On the floor is a gallon of water so I don't have to make multiple trips inside when my water bottle is empty. It also fills Faith's water dish when she goes to work with me. 

On top of the chair are two Minions. Each remind me of some special people. The one on the right with two different colored eyes was given to me when I was caring for my Mom after she came home on hospice. Friends went to Build-a-Bear to make it and then delivered it to brighten my days. My Mom had two different colored eyes, just like this Minion. I feel like Mom is looking down on me as I write.

The Peace Minion was a gift from my daughter and her friend while out to dinner one evening. Heidi loved the peace sign and tye-dye so when they saw this Minion they played games until earning enough tickets to win it for me. Heidi and my mom looking watching over me as I write the next best seller. 

Did you notice the quilt the Minions are sitting on? This is an assortment of bird and flower fabrics turned into a beautiful blanket of hope and love for my Mom in 2015. Dear friends teamed together to create this quilt, even embroidering a quote in one corner. This reminds me of more than my Mom, it reminds me that friends are priceless gifts. When it gets chilly later in the year, the same blanket that warmed my Mom on chilly nights will warm me. Family and friends inspire me in ways no object can, they are God's angels in disguise.

Kaely Quinn's talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she's demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.
When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.
Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else–including Kaely herself–is killed.

While working at the Writer's Cottage I could hear buzzing. I didn't pay much attention since the garden is ​my neighbor yet my mind wandered so I went to sit on the stoop of the cottage and noticed a bee busy at work with our eggplants. 

I could have returned to work and ignored this yet I was fascinated. The bee didn't care I was there and taking pictures. Hubby reminded me, "Remember you are allergic, you are getting kind of close, don't you think?" then smirked. He was right on all accounts yet it was a photo opportunity and a reason to take a break. A win-win!

Some fun Bee Facts:
"The most important thing that bees do is pollinate. Pollination is needed for plants to reproduce, and so many plants depend on bees or other insects as pollinators...Flowers that are visited more often by bees will produce larger and more uniform fruit than those visited less often..." READ MORE HERE

I didn't realize the more a flower is visited by a bee, the larger and more uniform its fruit. Writers are like bees, the more we visit writers' conferences, read in our genre, join a critique group, and write...the more uniform and successful are writing is I'm glad I took a few minutes to stop and watch this busy bee.

​Two weeks later as I worked on this blog and researched the bee, I learned more than to slow down, I learned that the more we do to hone our craft, the better we will be. Cool concept when you think about it. It's available to all of us when we follow through and take time to visit all the different flowers in our field to make us the best ____ we hope to be.

If you've followed by blog for any stretch of time you know I'm a "list girl". I like to create lists and cross things off after I complete the task. I've been known to add something to the list after I do it, because it wasn't on the original list but I feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day seeing the items completed.

Twenty five years later and my husband still laughs when I add something to the list after doing it, just to cross it off. Oh well, I keep him smiling. I don't have lists on the walls but I do have four week-at-a-glance posters. They are dated and are the first thing I see when I walk in. I'm reminded of my priority items and it keeps me focused. On the opposite wall is one poster with short and long-term writing goals, on y way out I'm reminded of what needs to be done in the near and not-so-near future.

In addition to the weeks-at-a-glance, there is a year-at-a-glance calendar on the ceiling. Since this picture, the days have been added with events, deadlines, and goals color-coded. The calendar is strategically placed so if I'm sitting at the desk or in the chair, the calendar isn't a focus point. I know myself too well and I'd get distracted if I was working and looked up to think and caught sight of upcoming events or deadlines. The key to setting up your work space is to know your strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to set yourself up for success.

Since my last visit to the writer's cottage, I have a few vendor and craft shows to add. Yup, to keep myself motivated and on schedule, I plan to start doing craft and vendor fairs again. As of today, I've committed to five: Rome, Utica, Fulton, Oswego, and Mexico. I'll have my books and hope to do something called "Writing on Demand at each.

At a couple, I'll also have my PURE products and share how people can utilize PURE products for a healthier lifestyle. I hope to ENROLL NEW MEMBERS at these events, I now get all my supplements, drinks, and such from PURE instead of a couple different places. One stop shopping and with their auto ship program, I earn free products too. If you want more information about this, email me at lbuskewriter@aol.com. 

I'll share more on the "Writing on Demand" in a future blog. I learned about it after reading "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg. I'm going to try it at at least a couple shows. Who knows, I might earn enough to pay for my table space.