Keeping it Real...Welcome! No matter how you found this, God knew you'd be here today. May you absorb the message He has for you. In 2011 I shared through my writing, today I've learned there is more to me than just writing. I have the energy and passion to share with others. Sometimes through Facebook live and others with my blog and most importantly, I've learned my passion to cook and bake is a vessel to share my writing and live presentations, while glorifying God in the process. I just needed to let go, and follow His lead.
|
![]() Last Spring, Spring of 2014, my parents and I attempted to refresh the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden located at the intersection of State Routes 104 and 104B in New Haven, New York. Regardless of the weeds pulled, it was still in need of a deeper level of refreshing. It needed to be renewed. Due to health reasons, Dad wasn't able to build the new star himself so he tried to find someone that could do the building and once they were finished, we would replant and do the gardening. Some made comments to me like "The garden looks so sad." or "Too bad someone doesn't care for the garden." These comments hurt because to have Heidi's Remembrance Garden looking so sad and unkempt breaks our hearts more than anyone else might feel. As we waited for the new frame to be built, Spring transitioned to Summer, then Fall, and finally it was covered with snow once again. The blanket of white hid the dark and depressing star, twenty years later looking forgotten when in truth...it was just waiting. The garden waited like we do every day. Dad was feeling better so he started his blueprints while Christmas lights still glimmered from the white of the snow outside the window. He determined a way we could rebuild the star with a little help. The next order of business was to decide what flowers to keep and what to add. After much discussion, we decided to wait until Spring and the start was rebuilt with the exception of a couple flowers and plants. Each was chosen for a reason and with much thought. Mom chose Shasta Daisies for each of the star points, the flower used to represent missing persons across the country. She also found an orange daisy to go in the points so that as the two daisies met, each point would present a white and orange presence, orange the color chosen for the ribbons of hope for Heidi in 1994. In the center, Mom and Dad chose a Cora Bell that is a burgundy in color now but will deepen to a purple even after the snow starts, Heidi liked purple. Around the cora bell are hosta plants, replanted from my parents house so there is a little bit of home in the spot our community chooses to remember Heidi with this beautiful garden. To fill in some of the empty space, purposely left to allow the other plants to grow this year and the years to come, we planted orange pansies. The pansies are the only flower and plant that won't return on its own each year. Before we could plant though, my husband, brother-in-law, Scott, and our friend Bob, dug out the entire star about twelve inches below ground level. This might seem like too much but there was a viney ground cover that took over the garden and choked out the roses and other flowers. The guys kept digging until they weren't getting roots to this vine. Only a few bulbs remained so the garden received a new frame, new top soil, mulch, and all new flowers and plants. We are grateful for our communities help to remember Heidi too. Leon's Farm Market and the New Haven Building Supply were generous in their contributions to make the new star and garden as beautiful as it is. Thank you again. Click on the links within the blog to read more about this aspect of the design and refreshment process. “It was such a pleasure to sink one's hands into the warm earth, to feel at one's fingertips the possibilities of the new season.” Last month I shared a couple blogs talking about the face lift at the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden, Part One and Part Two are link here and above. I shared it again because in the past month, my parents had another idea on how to personalize the garden even more, something that helps our community remember the Heidi they still hold dear to their hearts, and a way for those visiting the garden to understand the young lady our town lost. Tomorrow's blog will reveal the new addition in case you haven't been by the store yet to see it for yourself. A couple people messaged me to say how much they like it, my parents, Ed, Mags, and I hope this new look helps Heidi, the person, be remembered. Many remember the missing person flyers and poster from newscast but not everyone may recognize the young girl, Heidi Allen. The child abducted from her place of employment and taken from her family, friends, and community never to be see again. May the Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden help us all hold out hope until Heidi is found. Be sure to visit the blog tomorrow
|
|
Our front room is also my "office". Last night as I closed the door after letting the dogs in I noticed a few things on my "bulletin board", also known as our door. What is the first thing you notice when you look at this photo? I wonder if you noticed the same thing I did. Would you like me to tell you?
My observation and revelation...even if we don't flip the calendar to the new month or write out the new months things-to-do, time moves forward. We, and our lives, are similar to the calendar. Clocks keep ticking and time continues to move forward and will do so long after we leave this ball we call earth.
Why is this truth and realization so important? For me, it stopped me to ask myself, "why" haven't I flipped the calendar and written out the June events on the door? Is there a reason I have avoided it? Am I just split in too many directions to realize it hadn't been done? Is there a subconscious reason for not doing it?
Who knew have a blank calendar and a last month calendar showing could trigger so much insight and thought. How about you, have you thought about the time continuum and our attempts to stop time when it isn't a feasible option? I don't know...this is my random thought for the day, I'd love to hear from you.
My observation and revelation...even if we don't flip the calendar to the new month or write out the new months things-to-do, time moves forward. We, and our lives, are similar to the calendar. Clocks keep ticking and time continues to move forward and will do so long after we leave this ball we call earth.
Why is this truth and realization so important? For me, it stopped me to ask myself, "why" haven't I flipped the calendar and written out the June events on the door? Is there a reason I have avoided it? Am I just split in too many directions to realize it hadn't been done? Is there a subconscious reason for not doing it?
Who knew have a blank calendar and a last month calendar showing could trigger so much insight and thought. How about you, have you thought about the time continuum and our attempts to stop time when it isn't a feasible option? I don't know...this is my random thought for the day, I'd love to hear from you.
What is your revelation or the first thing you noticed?
6/9/2015
TOP's Tuesday: "No I in TEAM"

This is a risky conversation to have on the blog. I think sports are similar to politics at times, in regards to sharing our opinions about fair calls, fouls, flags, and such. I'll start with this disclaimer, I'm not watching the NBA playoffs. My husband is a die-hard fan and checking the score after work, searching for highlights, or falling asleep watching the game are the norm.
Yesterday as I listened and watched the news, hoping the rain would hold off for our field trip (which it did, yeah!), I couldn't get over all the talk about Lebron James. It appears he is having some great games and making history yet something was missing from each report or discussion, a mention of his team.
I haven't played basketball since high school but in order for the star to make a basket, rebound, or be deemed a legend...he or she has a team passing, blocking, and supporting them on and off the court. Don't misunderstand, I also understand Lebron James is discussed with likeness to Michael Jordan. I do remember him and his skill on the court. Michael Jordan was Heidi's favorite player and Jordan apparel surrounded me.
Why do I share this? It's not to ignite a debate or upset my husband. It's something that caught my attention while watching the news. As an educator in Kindergarten we encourage and model "No I in Team" for our students. I've done the same for my daughter but then we watch the news to see one of fifteen players on a professional sports team receiving all the kudos.
What about the guys with the multitude of assists, passes, and blocks to make the score board and stats reflect the amazing numbers. Yes, Lebron James has talent and can land a sweet shot, which is a result of countless hours of practice but even he recognizes his team deserves kudos. Did you know he gifted Apple watches, among other items to his teammates during the playoffs? Lebron James gets it. He appreciates his teammates. I read a few different articles yesterday and last night because I wanted to know more about this superstar. I was pleasantly surprised to find many reports or interviews where #23 credits his team and verbalizes he doesn't like the comparison to God.
If Lebron James understands it's a team game and he is one of many, then why is the only aspects of the games highlighted when Lebron makes a shot or fails to make one? I don't know if last night was the last game or if there is another one tonight, I just know that if we expect our kiddos to play and live with a team mentality then it needs to be modeled for them. So many of our students dream of being the next Jordan or Lebron James, but what if they were the next Matthew Dellavedova? Something to think about. Not everyone can be in the headlines yet everyone has an important role or position.
Yesterday as I listened and watched the news, hoping the rain would hold off for our field trip (which it did, yeah!), I couldn't get over all the talk about Lebron James. It appears he is having some great games and making history yet something was missing from each report or discussion, a mention of his team.
I haven't played basketball since high school but in order for the star to make a basket, rebound, or be deemed a legend...he or she has a team passing, blocking, and supporting them on and off the court. Don't misunderstand, I also understand Lebron James is discussed with likeness to Michael Jordan. I do remember him and his skill on the court. Michael Jordan was Heidi's favorite player and Jordan apparel surrounded me.
Why do I share this? It's not to ignite a debate or upset my husband. It's something that caught my attention while watching the news. As an educator in Kindergarten we encourage and model "No I in Team" for our students. I've done the same for my daughter but then we watch the news to see one of fifteen players on a professional sports team receiving all the kudos.
What about the guys with the multitude of assists, passes, and blocks to make the score board and stats reflect the amazing numbers. Yes, Lebron James has talent and can land a sweet shot, which is a result of countless hours of practice but even he recognizes his team deserves kudos. Did you know he gifted Apple watches, among other items to his teammates during the playoffs? Lebron James gets it. He appreciates his teammates. I read a few different articles yesterday and last night because I wanted to know more about this superstar. I was pleasantly surprised to find many reports or interviews where #23 credits his team and verbalizes he doesn't like the comparison to God.
If Lebron James understands it's a team game and he is one of many, then why is the only aspects of the games highlighted when Lebron makes a shot or fails to make one? I don't know if last night was the last game or if there is another one tonight, I just know that if we expect our kiddos to play and live with a team mentality then it needs to be modeled for them. So many of our students dream of being the next Jordan or Lebron James, but what if they were the next Matthew Dellavedova? Something to think about. Not everyone can be in the headlines yet everyone has an important role or position.
Our children each have different gifts and interests,
choose to support them as they play, perform, & participate.
Tonight...we enjoy a dance recital!
It's open to the public...you won't be disappointed
6/2/2015
TOP's TUESDAY: While You Wait
Families of the missing WAIT to know where their loved ones are and if they will be discovered or recovered. The missing and exploited child is the victim. Their parents, families, and communities are victimized also. There are another group of parents and children, those who face childhood diseases and illness. They WAIT also.
I don't know why such terrible things happen to our children yet I know God is faithful and provides the strength, hope, and light we need in the darkest of days. If you have lost a child, sibling, relative, or neighbor to abduction or illness, you understand the immeasurable pain and lack of understanding. TOP's Tuesday is a way to remember Heidi, this week my heart is heavy for the parents who WAIT. Not all parents wait to know where their child is, some wait for healing, some wait for diagnosis, and some wait for an answer to prayer. WAITING...
Will you join me in praying for all the parents who have lost a child or have a sick child today? Can we lift a united prayer of hope, healing, and strength for the moms and dads facing life's greatest struggle...when they can't find or help their child. This requires a strength and hope ONLY FOUND IN GOD.
I don't know why such terrible things happen to our children yet I know God is faithful and provides the strength, hope, and light we need in the darkest of days. If you have lost a child, sibling, relative, or neighbor to abduction or illness, you understand the immeasurable pain and lack of understanding. TOP's Tuesday is a way to remember Heidi, this week my heart is heavy for the parents who WAIT. Not all parents wait to know where their child is, some wait for healing, some wait for diagnosis, and some wait for an answer to prayer. WAITING...
Will you join me in praying for all the parents who have lost a child or have a sick child today? Can we lift a united prayer of hope, healing, and strength for the moms and dads facing life's greatest struggle...when they can't find or help their child. This requires a strength and hope ONLY FOUND IN GOD.
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:28-31
Remember to trust God and lean on
His strength and understanding as you wait.
What are you waiting for?

As time moves forward and our daughter grows there are new joys, concerns, and challenges. Each an exciting addition to my life. If you follow the blog, then you know I tend to not post too much about my daughter.
This is for a few reasons, first and foremost, to keep some aspects of life private and not invade my daughter's privacy. I think every mother could write a book on the what to do, and not to do, when raising a daughter. Women would read our books and agree, disagree, and laugh out loud, and cry, the whole time.
Why such laughter and bouts of tears when reading? Simple, our children our individuals and although we may attempt to handle similar situations the same, this is not wise or feasible. Our parenting is based on the examples of our parents, adult role models, care givers, and/or guardians. I'm thankful for the ways my parents raised me but at the time, "I hate you" was a common phrase uttered from my teen mouth. Decades later I understand how painful and heart breaking these three words are and regret saying them. I apologized to my parents on multiple occasions for this and their response is priceless, one only a parent could utter. "No apologies necessary."
Mom did thank me once but said it wasn't necessary because she was "doing her job". There was a time in life when woman stayed home to raise their children. A stay-at-home-Mom was the norm and a 24/7 job. Today's society forces most women to join the work force to help make ends meet and provide for the family. This has its positives and negatives yet an aspect many overlook, to work outside the home, coupled with caring for your spouse, home, children, and pets is comparable to your spouse working overtime EVERY week.
The pay you receive for this overtime is priceless, rewarding, and worth every second. I hope you feel the same way.
This is for a few reasons, first and foremost, to keep some aspects of life private and not invade my daughter's privacy. I think every mother could write a book on the what to do, and not to do, when raising a daughter. Women would read our books and agree, disagree, and laugh out loud, and cry, the whole time.
Why such laughter and bouts of tears when reading? Simple, our children our individuals and although we may attempt to handle similar situations the same, this is not wise or feasible. Our parenting is based on the examples of our parents, adult role models, care givers, and/or guardians. I'm thankful for the ways my parents raised me but at the time, "I hate you" was a common phrase uttered from my teen mouth. Decades later I understand how painful and heart breaking these three words are and regret saying them. I apologized to my parents on multiple occasions for this and their response is priceless, one only a parent could utter. "No apologies necessary."
Mom did thank me once but said it wasn't necessary because she was "doing her job". There was a time in life when woman stayed home to raise their children. A stay-at-home-Mom was the norm and a 24/7 job. Today's society forces most women to join the work force to help make ends meet and provide for the family. This has its positives and negatives yet an aspect many overlook, to work outside the home, coupled with caring for your spouse, home, children, and pets is comparable to your spouse working overtime EVERY week.
The pay you receive for this overtime is priceless, rewarding, and worth every second. I hope you feel the same way.
What will you read on this new weekly edition? I don't know! If you've lived with teenager then you know it's impossible to predict the future or determine what writing muse might be triggered from one week to the next.
One thing you won't read is rantings of a mad Mom on the brink. My hope is to illustrate the challenges of parenting with a positive twist for survival, healthy relationships, and enjoyment. I'll share those memories of being the child on the receiving end of the parenting with the added revelation of "Oh, that's why they said or did what they did." too. I may even interview and highlight some women I know that WOW me and others with their strategies, patience, or other giftings.
Basically, this weekly blog post, similar to most blogs, will be one way for a Mom like me to share, encourage, and possibly vent once a week to other parents. My hope is you, the reader, will respond in comments below in response to what you read or my concluding question. I hope you will respond to each other too. Parenting has always been the MOST IMPORTANT, challenging, and REWARDING job one will have in this life time. So let's use this little piece of the Internet and the blogosphere to lift each other, share, and be encouraged ourselves in the realization...we are not alone in our feelings.
One thing you won't read is rantings of a mad Mom on the brink. My hope is to illustrate the challenges of parenting with a positive twist for survival, healthy relationships, and enjoyment. I'll share those memories of being the child on the receiving end of the parenting with the added revelation of "Oh, that's why they said or did what they did." too. I may even interview and highlight some women I know that WOW me and others with their strategies, patience, or other giftings.
Basically, this weekly blog post, similar to most blogs, will be one way for a Mom like me to share, encourage, and possibly vent once a week to other parents. My hope is you, the reader, will respond in comments below in response to what you read or my concluding question. I hope you will respond to each other too. Parenting has always been the MOST IMPORTANT, challenging, and REWARDING job one will have in this life time. So let's use this little piece of the Internet and the blogosphere to lift each other, share, and be encouraged ourselves in the realization...we are not alone in our feelings.
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Name ONE topic you'd like to see me blog about.
What type of Mom would you like me to interview?
How fun do you think this "A Mother's Monday" will be?
Categories
All 2017 Goals A Mother's Monday Cooking With Lisa 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
March 2023
February 2023
December 2022
November 2022
August 2022
July 2022
March 2022
February 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
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
Available on Amazon.com
Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey * When the Waves Subside: There is Hope * Encourage Others: One Day at a Time No More Pain: I Can Fly * YOU are a Rainbow * Goal Setting for a Renewed You *Also available on Kindle* |
No Photographs, for any reason, from this site may be used without written permission from Lisa M Buske. Thank you for respecting this. |