TOP's Tuesday ~ Thankful for each of you

Happy TOP's Tuesday everyone! Can you believe Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey will be released in 133 days? It seems like its only 2006 when the notion of writing a book was only a release of emotional vomit on the computer. Only God knew how this written yuck would transform into my first book.

The picture of Heidi above was taken at my cousin's high school graduation. The yearbook shot below, is of Heidi's last year book in her high school career because Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. High School closed due to low enrollment in 92', a year before Heidi's graduation. I hadn't thought of the irony of posting these two items together until I was mid-blog. 

Both Heidi and my cousin Shawnacy lost their lives at a young age. Heidi was kidnapped in 1994 and Shawnacy, killed in a motorcycle accident in 1995. Neither married or with a college degree. Both with their life in front of them. Why does God let such tragedy happen? Why do children and young people die? How can anyone survive such a loss, especially that of their child?

I don't know the answers to the "why" questions but this I do know ~ God loves each of us and provides hope, healing, and a renewed heart and spirit to those open and ready to receive it. The best thing I did was invite Jesus into my life. Only He had the answers, strength, and ability to transform the dark void on my heart to have such a deep love again.  

A love for life, people, and God. Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey is one sister's journey after the kidnapping of her only sister. This is my story of hope and healing. My tragedy and loss is due to kidnapping. What is yours caused by? There is hope. Keep your eye open for upcoming reviews on my first blog tour in January 2013.

Happy Thanksgiving! Tomorrow afternoon there will be a special Thanksgiving video and blog posted in honor of each of you. We, my entire family, are thankful for all you have done and continue to do in our lives and in your prayers, love, and efforts to never forget Heidi.

We are thankful for you!

News to report: 
*The 2nd Proof copy arrived at the end of last week. I started the reread this morning and already have too many sticky notes sticking out. Ugh! 
A snip-it from "behind-the-scenes" of the author with an upcoming new release. Regardless of the number of edits and people reading your book, there is always more to fix in the next proof. 
My respect for authors and editors has quadrupled. But when do I say, "Okay, not reading and editing again."? I don't know, thoughts?

*Feedback of the book continues to inspire, motivate, & encourage me. We are looking forward to the blog tour so others can read and share their take on "Where's Heidi?" with you. This schedule will be posted on the blog when it is available. *NOTE: Bloggers - if you are interested in receiving information to join the blog tour, email me at lbuskewriter@aol.com. An informational email will be sent out in the next week. Thank you in advance.

*Excited to meet some of you on December 1st during Mexico, New York's "Christmas in Mexico" all-day event. I will be at the Presbyterian Church from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Stop by and say Hi. 

*December 7th I will share "Tragedy to Triumph" with Adam's Baptist Church's ladies group and their community. It is open to the public.

*December 8th I am blessed to share "I am the Light of the World" with Oswego Alliance Church's ladies and community. This event is also open to the public.

*Heidi Allen Remembrance Garden: After last year's kissing ball fiasco my parents decided something different was needed this year. They spent the afternoon setting up to surprise me. It is beautiful. A blog about this will be coming soon too.

---

Our Tuesday blogs are titled, T.0.P.'s Tuesday 
and will provide you with information relating to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. It might be an upcoming speaking engagement, the cover, an excerpt, or bizarre tidbits about the publishing process you may not be aware of.

Why is is called T.O.P.'s Tuesday? Great question! 
Heidi played volleyball for the Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. 
High School until it closed in 1992. On February 14th, 1992 
the Palladium Times (an Oswego, New York newspaper) named 
my sister, Heidi M. Allen athlete of the week. This was exciting and we were all proud of her but it was the name they gave her 
that stirred the most attention, "Tower of Power".