![]() Earlier in the month I attended the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference in beautiful hils of Montrose, Pennsylvania. It was a busy, exciting, and educational week. I came home more inspired to write and with a renewed drive to publish again. An answer to prayer. At the conclusion of the conference we, the attendees were challenged to prioritize what we would do first. To write being the number one priority. I took time before leaving and made a preliminary to-do-list One of the first things on my list was to create a place to write. I'll still write on my deck, in the living room, or at a local eatery from time to time yet in a dream world there were I few things I hoped to achieve by having my own writing space: 1) A place where I can leave my WIP (Work In Progress) in organized chaos on the table rather than setting it back up each time I start to write 2) A place without television and distraction but with Internet access 3) A place I can bring my own water and snacks with me (to save money) and not have to spend money for the atmosphere 4) A place outside of my house so I don't focus on the never-ending-to-do-lists at home 5) FREE because I'm a writer, we don't have money. ![]() My husband I brainstormed and he suggested waiting until August. After our daughter goes back to college, instead of her room becoming a sewing room, it could be a "multi-purpose creative space". I agreed yet want out daughter to have a place to sleep when she comes home and don't want to wait until mid-August to set up shop. As with most my ideas, I woke up in the middle of the night with an idea. I told hubby and my dad, "You know my writer's space, I have an idea." They looked at each other, and their first hesitant question was the same..."Okay, what?" I'm known for getting this "ideas" and somehow Dad and Ed make them happen. I shared my idea, "Why don't I clean out Mary's playhouse and transform it into a writer's cottage?" They liked the idea and Dad suggested adding insulation so I'd be warm in the winter, I hadn't thought about this. I text and asked Mary permission to use her playhouse, her response was priceless, "Of course, BUT don't get rid of my toys, Barbies, Polly Pockets, Horses, and Barn, well anything. I'm saving them for my kids." Easy enough. I cleaned out a back corner of Dad's shed and moved my future grandchildren's goodies into a new storage location. Next, I hoed out all the JUNK we've been tossing in there over the years. Each time we tossed something in we'd say, "If we have a lawn sale..." Yeah, right! All that stuff was donated or tossed, it felt pretty good to purge it all. ![]() Yes, I didn't think to take a before picture and decided it's for the better because then you'd all have a detailed visual of my hoarding tendencies, or emotional attachment issues. Each item in there, I remembered who gave it to me or where it came from. I am an emotional "keeper", I keep stuff I don't really want because of the memory it holds. I took a big step and let it go, holding onto the memories, not the stuff. Instead of clutter to cottage, you can enjoy the renovation itself. My Dad joked, "I know why these little house cost so much money." I looked and bit, "Why?" After wiping the sweat from his forehead and ducking out the 4 foot door, with a smile on his face, "Because it's a pain and tough work. Easy work made challenging due to space." We all laughed and kept working until after Noon when the sun peaked at 92 degrees, we took the rest of the day off. I didn't get to the cottage today for a final picture of the inside but it's all insulated and caulked. Tomorrow my wall covering arrives. I had fun using my creativity in ordering this. I plan to use the walls and ceiling and story boards and note paper so the walls will be done with contact paper. Yes, you heard me, contact paper. It reminds me of the scene from Johnny Dangerously when they are running from the cops and they peel contact paper off the car as part of their disguise. I looked for a clip but didn't find one, sorry. Sorry, got distracted. LOL Anyway, you can write on contact paper with dry erase markers and erase it. I can't wait. Once it arrives, with my daughter's help, I'll be doing "wallpaper" and "ceilings". For now, I write sitting in my living room but the pile of goodies heading to my writer's cottage is exciting and motivating. Within the week I'll be able to leave hubby a note, "At the cottage writing, see you after work." If you attended Montrose Writers' Conference,
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July 8 (today) @ The Muffin Interview and giveaway. http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ July 9 @ Book Santa Fe Crystal Otto Crystal J. Casavant-Otto shares her review after listening to the touching and inspiring memoir Banged Up Heart by Shirley Melis. http://www.booksantafe.info/ July 10 @ Lisa Buske reviews the Audible version of Banged-Up Heart: Dancing with Love and Loss by Shirley Melis. https://www.lisambuske.com/ July 11 @ Bring on Lemons with Tara Forst Wisconsin mother and business woman Tara Forst shares her thoughts after listening to the inspirational audible version of Banged-Up Heart by Shirley Melis. http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ July 12th @ BreakEven Books Today's Author Spotlight at BreakEven Books is on Shirley Melis and her memoir Banged-Up Heart - now available on Audible! https://breakevenbooks.com/ July 13 @ Bring on Lemons with Angela Williams Angela Williams reviews Shirley Melis's Banged Up Heart. http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ July 14 @ Bring on Lemons with Cathy Hanse Educator and Entrepreneur Cathy Hansen reads and reviews Banged Up Heart by Shirley Melis. You'll want to stop by Bring On Lemons today for your chance to learn more about this touching and encouraging memoir (now available on Audible). http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ July 15 @ Lisa Haselton Shirley Melis is being interviewed today by Lisa Haselton. Stop at Lisa's blog to learn more about Banged Up Heart, a non-fiction, memoir (now available on Audible), about finding the courage and strength to love again. http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/ July 16 @ Bring on Lemons with Madeline Sharples Fellow memoir writer Madeline Sharples interviews Shirley Melis about her book Banged Up Heart. (now available on Audible) Don't miss this heart felt interview about courage and love. http://madelinesharples.com/ | July 17 @ Jerry Waxler Coach and Author Jerry Waxler shares his thoughts after reading Shirley Melis's memoir Banged Up Heart. www.memorywritersnetwork.com/blog July 18 @ Deb Blanchard Teacher Deb Blanchard gives insight into "Banged Up Heart" the touching memoir by Shirley Melis (now available on Audible). https://www.facebook.com/Reviews-by-Deb-1737715249887520/ July 19 @ Linda Appleman Shapiro Don't miss today's interview between memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro and Shirley Melis. Find out more about Melis and her memoir Banged Up Heart (now available on Audible). http://applemanshapiro.com/ July 20 @ Bring on Lemons with Penny Harrison Wisconsin business owner and avid reader Penny Harrison shares her thoughts and feelings about Shirley Melis's memoir Banged Up Heart http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ July 22 @ Memoir Writers Journey with Kathleen Pooler Kathleen Pooler shares her thoughts with readers of Memoir Writer's Journey - find out what Pooler has to say about reading Shirley Melis's memoir Banged Up Heart. http://krpooler.com/ July 23 @ Bring on Lemons with Pang Papathopolus Wisconsin professional caregiver and health care worker Pang gives her review of the Audible version of Banged-Up Heart by Shirley Melis. http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ July 24 @ The Constant Story with David W. Berner Author and radio personality David W Berner reviews Shirley Melis's book Banged Up Heart and shares his thoughts with readers at The Constant Story. http://davidwberner.blogspot.com/ July 25@ World of My Imagination Nicole Pyles shares her review of Banged-Up Heart on Audible - hear what she has to say about this memoir in it's audio form! https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/ July 26 @ Bring on Lemons with Michelle DelPonte Michelle DelPonte shares her review of the Audible version of Shirley Melis's Banged Up Heart today at Bring on Lemons. Don't miss this exciting blog stop and book giveaway. http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ |
Thank you Shirley for the opportunity to
read & share your book with my readers...
Readers, I hope you'll check out the other blogs
on the tour and her books. Until next time...
Lisa’s 18-year-old sister was kidnapped in 1994, and remains missing. They all have three things in common: losing a loved one to kidnapping or homicide, facing a roller coaster of overwhelming emotions, & embarking on a journey in search of understanding, healing, & hope. Part of the award-winning Grief Diaries series featuring true stories about real life experiences, this book is a portable support group for people who have lost a loved one by kidnapping or homicide. | Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives With a Special Needs Child is a unique collection of stories from families who have come together to share in the trials and tribulations on raising a child with a disability. Those who read this book will see the beauty, love, and speciality of our special needs children and adults. It is a must read for families whose lives have been affected by a disability. | Part of the award-winning Grief Diaries series featuring true stories about real life experiences, Project Cold Case is a portable support group for people who have lost a loved one to an unsolved kidnapping or murder. Filled with answers to poignant questions, the stories invites readers into a world where they’re surrounded by warmth and compassion as they seek comfort and understanding in the aftermath of their own loss. |
The fourth book I participated in releases in August of this year, 2019. Each book offered me the opportunity to expand and go deeper yet I took the easy way out for three of them. Instead of writing a new submission for each, I used the same writing piece. The audience for each book was different and my emotional state didn't allow creative freedom. This is the life of a writer sometimes, sometimes the words and emotions role onto paper easier than others, the goal when invited to participate, if called to do it, is to have a submission to submit.
If you are grieving a cold case or homicide, then you'll experience stories written by people who have, or are, living the pain you are. The newest book, releasing in August, will offer comfort to an array of "survivors". More information about this book will be released in a future blog.
For parents, families, and caregivers of children with disabilities, then Sometimes the Wind Blows Sideways will encourage you with a variety of stories to instill hope and remind you of how special these kiddos are. Happy reading!
Potential Release Date for August 2019

This is the second, published book that we have been fortunate enough to contribute towards. You will be able to pick up a copy of the new book very soon. Keep an eye out for the release publication date of this book in August, 2019.
Another way to learn about my sister, Heidi Allen,
and how her kidnapping effected my life, as her only sister.
A BIG thank you to Mari for this guest post on my blog...

We live in a world of constant connectivity. You’re never far from a device hooked up to emails, texts, social media feeds, news updates and an endless stream of information.
Technology is a wonderful gift. You can FaceTime with your family thousands of miles away or send an important work project to colleagues from your delayed train. But technology is also a distraction and a burden if you don’t allow yourself to disconnect.
Do you have difficulty sitting or standing still without checking your phone reflexively? Do you have a hard time focusing on the people around you because of tech interruptions? Is it a challenge for you to relax and unwind away from a screen?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you could benefit from some unplugged time. Take a break from technology by testing out the following tips.

Every night, about 30 to 60 minutes before you go to bed, put away all of your devices. Close your laptop, stash your phone, turn off your TV. Set a recurring alarm to remind you when it’s time to power down. Use this half-hour or hour to do a relaxing activity you enjoy. Read, draw, write, work on a puzzle or play an instrument.

Once a week, set aside a longer period of time for a digital detox, where you disengage from all technology. Start with a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.
If you like it, scale it up to all of Sunday. What do you want to do with all the time you would normally spend playing video games, watching Netflix or scrolling on your phone? What makes you feel happy, healthy and alive?
Rediscover your interests and hobbies. Get out of the house and try something new. Go for a hike, check out a new café, meet up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.

Take a few minutes every day to write in your journal. Tune into your thoughts, desires, hopes and dreams. Ask yourself questions about the past, present and future. Record what you’re grateful for today. Use this time to unplug from external distractions and reconnect with yourself.

The wisdom and lessons revealed in Heal Your Self with Journaling Power will help you mitigate existing health problems; manifest everything you desire; create a new life story for yourself; fill your life with uplifting positive energy; and fully leverage the power of journaling to solve your most pressing problems so you can live your best life.
https://www.createwritenow.com/
You’ll discover the life-changing magic of journaling through moving personal stories told by just some of the thousands of people who have tapped into the proven therapeutic power of expressive writing.
These are people just like you, and their challenges are the same ones you have.
Heal Your Self with Journaling Power reveals the inner strength and grace that comes with living your life in the present from the inside out. It will help you transform your life and…
- Manifest everything your desire
- Fill you with uplifting positive energy
- Put you on a path to better health and wellness
- Give you the inspiration and motivation to live your best life
- Show you how to use journaling to solve your most pressing problems
June 17th The Muffin What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Stop by Women on Writing's blog The Muffin & read an interview with Mari McCarthy and win a copy of her book. http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ June 18th Karen Brown Tyson's Blog Visit author Karen Brown Tyson's blog today where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post about why you might still be experiencing writer's block. https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/ June 19th Conversations Live with Cyrus Webb Originally Aired June 12th @ 10:30 AM Cyrus Webb interviews Mari McCarthy of Create Write Now about her latest bestseller Heal Your Self With Journaling Power. http://cyruswebb.com/category/conversations-live-radio/ June 20th Look to the Western Sky Visit Margo's blog today where you can catch her review of Mari McCarthy's incredible new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://margoldill.com/ June 22nd Lapidus Visit Lapidus, words for well-being association, where you can read Francesca's review of Mari McCarthy's eye-opening book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://lapidus.org.uk/news June 23rd Life Like a Galaxy Girl Stop by Alanna's blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy's new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. http://lifelikeagalaxygirl.com/ June 24th Thoughts in Progress Do you love the energy in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? Well, if you do, you will not want to miss today's post at the blog Thoughts in Progress where Mari McCarthy shares her tips on how to recreate the magic of NaNoWriMo in any month. https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com June 25th Bev Baird's Blog Make sure you stop by Bev's blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/ June 26th A Storybook World Visit Deirdra's blog today where she highlights Mari McCarthy's new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. http://www.astorybookworld.com/ June 27th The Frugalista Mom Make sure to Rozelyn's blog and read her review of Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. Plus enter to win a copy for yourself! https://thefrugalistamom.com/ June 29th Coffee with Lacey Grab your coffee and visit Lacey's blog today and read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's powerful new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://coffeewithlacey.com/ June 30th Wild Woman Writer Visit Anne's blog today where you can catch her review of Mari McCarthy's inspiring new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://wildwomanwriter2018.blogspot.com July 1st Choices Visit Madeline's blog today and read Mari McCarthy's poignant guest post about our conversations with our inner critic and how to silence them. http://madelinesharples.com/ July 1st Writing Through Life Be sure to stop by Amber's blog and read her interview with author Mari McCarthy and also enter to win a copy of the book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://writingthroughlife.com/ July 2nd Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde If you are in need of a new book in your life, make sure to stop by Lindsey's blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy's new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://russelllindsey.blog/ July 2nd The Frugalista Mom Stop by Rozelyn's blog again today where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post about why we procrastinate and how to avoid it. https://thefrugalistamom.com/ July 3rd The World of My Imagination Visit Nicole's blog today and catch her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/ | July 5th Bring on Lemons Make lemons into lemonade today when you visit Crystal's blog today and read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ July 7th One Sister's Journey Keeping it Real Visit Lisa's blog today where you can read Mari's blog post about disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with yourself. https://www.lisambuske.com/ July 8th A Day in the Life of Mom Want to inspire your kids to journal? Visit Ashley's blog today and read Mari McCarthy's guest post featuring imaginative journaling activities to do with kids. https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/ July 9th Bev Baird's Blog Visit Bev's blog again where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post about mindful journaling for mindful eating. Don't miss! https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/ July 9th Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde Visit Lindsey's blog again where you can find out more about Mari McCarthy and her book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://russelllindsey.blog/ July 10th Lapidus Join Francesca at Lapidus again where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post about why journaling is part of self-care. https://lapidus.org.uk/news July 10th Look to the Western Sky Make sure you visit Margo's blog again and read Mari McCarthy's guest post featuring more imaginative journaling activities you can do with your kids. https://www.margoldill.com/ July 12th Author Anthony Avina Blog Stop by author Anthony Avina's blog today where you can read his review about Mari McCarthy's inspirational book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com July 12th Bookworm Blog Visit Anjanette's blog today where you can read her interview with author Mari McCarthy and also be sure to check out Mari McCarthy's guest post about journaling power for emotional health. https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/ July 13th A Day in the Life of Mom Make sure your day today includes visiting Ashley's blog where you can read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's life-changing book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/ July 14th Author Anthony Avina Blog Do you rocrastinate too much? Well, visit Anthony Avina's blog again today where you can read Mari McCarthy's guest post on how to use your favorite types of procrastination to your advantage. http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com July 15th Strength 4 Spouses Do you like to journal? Stop by Wendi's blog today where author Mari McCarthy talks about journaling power for mental health. Don't miss it! https://strength4spouses.blog/ July 16th Reading Whale Visit Caitlin's blog today and read her interview with Mari McCarthy as they talk about Mari's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://readingwhale.com/ July 17th Michelle Cornish Blog Stop by Michelle's blog where she reviews Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. You can also check out her interview with Mari and find out more about the author! https://www.michellecornish.com/blog July 19th Strength 4 Spouses Do you love journaling? Well if so, you will want to visit Wendi's blog where she shares her thoughts about Mari McCarthy's powerful book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://strength4spouses.blog/ July 19th Bookworm Blog Visit Anjanette's blog again where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy's book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/ July 21st Jill Sheet's Blog Visit Jill's blog today where you can read Mari McCarthy's blog post about overcoming writer's block. Don't miss this if you are struggling with staying inspired! https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/ |
Thanks again Mari for guesting on my blog ~ always a pleasure!
Her poems have also appeared online and in print magazines, e.g., in the 2016 Porter Gulch Review, Yellow Chair’s In the Words of Womyn 2016 anthology, Story Circle Network’s journals and anthologies, the Best of Poetry Salon 2013-2018, and the Vine Leaves Literary Journal: a Collection of Vignettes from Across the Globe, 2017.
And her articles have appeared in the Huffington Post, Naturally Savvy, Aging Bodies, PsychAlive, Story Circle Network’s HerStories and One Woman’s Day blogs, and the Memoir Network blog. One of Madeline’s essays has also appeared in the My Gutsy Story Anthology by Sonia Marsh.
Madeline also co-edited Volumes 1 and 2 of The Great American Poetry Show, a poetry anthology, and wrote the poems for two books of photography, The Emerging Goddess and. Besides having many poems published in print and online magazines, writes regularly for Naturally Savvy, and occasionally for PsychAlive, Open to Hope,and Journeys Through Grief and The Huffington Post.
My Review of Papa's Shoes...
He returns and takes care of business then returns to America with his wife left to raise their remaining son and the baby on the way. Ruth, his wife, mails a pink string to Ira once Ava is born. When enough funds allow, Ira sends for Ruth, Charlie (their oldest son), and Ava. This is when the story shifts from one of Ira and Ruth to that of Charlie and Ava adjusting to their life as Jewish Immigrants and their parents old ways and religion while embracing the new and mixed views of living in America.
You watch Charlie and Ava grow up and as the book concludes, Ira and Ruth come to major realizations and their children need to make decisions that will impact their relationships with each other and their parents. The life of an immigrant isn't easy, especially in the 20's when mixing religions was not accepted as it is today. I enjoyed the ending and it required a tissue. Love wins...this is all I'll reveal.
Other Blogs You Can Visit Talking About Papa's Shoes
June 4th @ Coffee with Lacey The lovely Lacey reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples and shares her review with readers at Coffee with Lacey. This is a blog stop and review readers won't want to miss! https://coffeewithlacey.com/ June 5th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews Lisa Haselton interviews well known author and memoirist Madeline Sharples about her latest novel "Papa's Shoes" - the story of a Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America. This insightful interview is one you won't want to miss! http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/ June 6th @ Beverley A. Baird Beverley A. Baird shares her thoughts after reading the touching story of a Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America - "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples is a book that is sure to please readers! https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/ June 7th @ Linda Neas Today's guest author at Words from the Heart with Linda Neas is none other than well-known author and memoirist Madeline Sharples. Today, her guest post is titled "How I reinvented myself from a technical writer and editor to a creative writer – and at my age." Heart from Madeline and learn more about her latest novel "Papa's Shoes"! https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/ June 12th @ Linda Neas Last week, readers at Words from the Heart with Linda Neas read a guest post penned by Author Madeline Sharples and today, Linda will share her review of Madeline's latest novel "Papa's Shoes". This is a blog stop you won't want to bypass! https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/ June 18th @ Selling Books with Cathy Stucker Cathy Stucker interviews Madeline Sharples at Selling Books. Readers will flock to learn more about Sharples and her latest novel "Papa's Shoes". https://www.sellingbooks.com/ | June 26th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro Fellow author and memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro shares her review of "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples. Don't miss Linda's insight into this touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they move to America! http://applemanshapiro.com/category/book-reviews/ June 27th @ World of My Imagination Nicole Pyles reviews the latest best selling novel "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples - readers will delight to hear what Nicole thinks of this crowd pleasing story of one Polish shoemaker and his family! https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/ June 28th @ Deal Sharing Aunt / Vicki Brinius Vicky Brinius reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples. Find out how she feels after reading this touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America. http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/ July 2nd @Author Anthony Avina Fellow author Anthony Avina reviews "Papa's Shoes" by Madeline Sharples - this is a touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settled in America. https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/ July 2nd @ Amanda Sanders Amanda of Amanda Diaries reviews Madeline Sharples latest novel "Papa's Shoes" - read Amanda's review and add this lovely story to your TBR pile today! https://amandadiaries.com/ July 4th @ Author Anthony Avina Readers at Anthony Avina's blog will delight with today's guest post and author interview with Madeline Sharples - learn more about her and her latest work! https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/ July 5th @ Lisa Buske Lisa Buske shares her review of "Papa's Shoes" - the latest novel by Madeline Sharples and a touching story of one Polish shoemaker and his family as they settle in America. https://www.lisambuske.com/ |
Readers and writers alike will want to stop by Memoir Writer’s Journey to hear from Kathleen Pooler and friend / fellow author Madeline Sharples as they discuss Madeline’s latest book “Papa’s Shoes”.
https://krpooler.com
Thanks for taking time to learn
about Papa's Shoes & Madeline Sharples
Order online and have it delivered to your door!
https://www.youravon.com/lbuske
Since I was chilling at home I decided to do a live FB video and apply Avon makeup to half my face so you can see the difference with and without my ten-minute face. My lighting isn't the best but I think you'll get the gist and see the benefits of Avon.
On the FB post, I also included links to each of the products I used. For your convenience, the links are included in this blog too. Most of the items are on sale when this blog went live on July 4, 2019.
Anew Eye Lift Duo Anew Clinical Absolute Even Dark Circle Corrector Avon Make Up Setting Spray Avon True Color Crème Concealer Avon True Color Dazzle Drops Avon True Color Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation (I used the soft ivory today) Avon True Color Glimmerstick (I use majestic plum) |
Avon Glimmer Liquid Eyeshadow
Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad (I used “purple haze”) Avon Wash-off Waterproof Mascara Avon True Color Bronzing Pearls 2-IN-1 Lip Tattoo – use the code Eye make up remover lotion Anew Clean: Illuminating Rich Cleansing Foam I use this in the shower - only need a dime amount or less |
https://www.youravon.com/lbuske

Georgia's definition of performance, after decades in the world of show business: "it is clear performance means the way you express yourself to the world. It is your choice of words, style and movement. It is your decision to design the shape, shade and colour of your entry into any type of work you want to do."
If you're a rebel through and through, or need some guidance and encouragement to find your rebellious streak, if you want to question the status quo, reach further, smash through the glass ceiling, speak and be heard...The Rule Breaker's Guide is the book for you!
Georgia Varjas shares her wisdom, wins and woes to shine a light on how the rules can hold us back, keep us small, and shut us up... and how to change that destructive pattern. With a combination of story and sass, Georgia shows us how to be in total control of our own lives, to show up, step up and stand out.
Now to hear from Georgia herself...

I believe we are all born with some talent or creative genius. It may be a gift you have tingling in your soul to sing, paint or write. Perhaps, it is to communicate and lead, or it could be to mend, fix or repair, even care, love and give. But I do believe we all have natural abilities. And, I am also aware of how we ourselves down-grade and conceal our natural gifts and talents.
From an early age, codes, regulations and laws hold us back and keep us trapped in low esteem jobs and painful relationships, while filling our heads with complexes and inhibitions. We end up hiding our natural talents, playing small and denying our skills.
I know I have played small when in reality I had enough competence and experience to complete the task. But I held my self back because I was thinking about what others would think or what if they said something or all that absolute made-up nonsense - basically creating my own diversions and obstacles.
And the worst part about it all, I had created such a negative mindset I couldn’t perform to my best ability. I couldn’t show up as a talented person. I actually lowered my standards as a result.
Remember a parent or teacher telling you not to sing because your voice sounded terrible?
Or the professor or trainer who dampened your imagination to write stories, play sports or take up a musical instrument? Or a boss, educator, a person in authority who dismissed you because you didn’t “fit” in according to their rules of race, creed or gender?
These discouragements, these put downs and subversive rules can stop us from developing and achieving what we want for our life.
But we have choices and opportunities - and we can create them.
We need to stop in our tracks and make note of all those Rules that are not serving us any more. It is about making smart decisions but also acting on them.
Ask yourself, how many times have you made a decision but not acted on it? It often happens, followed by an amazing array of reasons and excuses! We have to learn to prioritise laying out all those things we would love to do - fancy trying - are prepared to give a go or even another go.
Make that list. Take courage, lean on your confidence and bring out your competency. Use your natural skills to overcome those road blocks, brick walls or glass ceilings and honestly love yourself a bit more!
Don’t use your smartness or experience to increase the barriers you live behind. Or the protective bubbles you sit in.
Ask yourself daily: How are you doing with all your dreams, goals and desires? And are they coming together?
It is up to you to pay attention and then act upon those obstacles you have prolonged in your system for too long.
So even if life is not easy right now - remember life is beautiful. Yes, it takes Confidence and Courage to Step Up & Stand Out - Make Decisions and Act Upon them.
Turn to your voice and pen, they are your most powerful weapons of construction!
- Don't hold back - release that genius energy -
Georgia Varjas June 2019
Thank you Georgia for guest blogging on my blog...
I hope many will check out your book.

Each letter of the alphabet has 4 -6 pages, with twelve spots to list addresses on, and if you already have your addresses on the computer then you can print them onto a 3 x 10 label and just stick them in. Easy!
This is another book I created for myself and as I shared it with friends, they encouraged me to make it available for sale because of its ease and being able to just "stick" in addresses. I used my favorite photos from the four seasons.
It wasn't until the release on Facebook that I realized three of the four are of the sun. I do enjoy a beautiful sunrise and sunset, this shows in my cover selection. The summer one has one of my favorite flowers and brings a smile to my face because I remember the day I took this photo with my Mom sitting on the buggy giving me pointers on where to stand and squat and move to get just the right picture.
I hope you'll leave a review on Amazon
to help others know the value
in purchasing this address book...
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