As my husband and I sat out on the deck discussing our plans for the upcoming holiday weekend, I couldn't help but to reflect on all of my favorite things that happen during this time of year.  Summer has always been my favorite season.  The sights and smells that come along with the long days and warm nights always seem to put me in a tranquil mood.  It is a time that I cherish and keep with me during the long cold winter.

The scene always starts with the lush green trees that quickly follow by the colorful flowers emerging into full bloom.  To see the world in such vividness is true beauty beyond compare.  Slowly and steadily the rest of the world transforms into a summertime spectacular. The scent of fresh cut grass permiates through my nose and makes me long for the day when I get the chance to visit the beach and smell the fresh ocean air.  With warm sand creeping up inbetween my toes I walk towards the waves and giggle as they come crashing upon my legs.

On the days when my view limited to my own backyard I am still mystified as I watch a gently breeze swaying the laundry on the clotheslines.  When the sun sets and the moon is our only light, I like to put a few logs on the campfire ring and listen to the crackle of the wood sing me song.  I will help my daughter find a roasting stick and together we will stand by the fire roasing marshmellows and making s'mores.

The simple gift that nature has supplies us with is something that needs to be treasured.  I need nothing more than my five senses to find joy within my surroundings.  The summer months will go by fast and I want to take in all that it has to offer and make some memories that will last a lifetime, and hopefully install some traditions  that will get passed on to the next generation.

 

Words.  We start learning the meaning of the words that surrond our world when we are just babies. Our comprehension of them expands as we grow and within a few short years we are learning to express ourselves by means of writing.  Tonight we took time to celebrate all of the wonderful writers in the annual Oswego Reading Council Writing Contest.

The rules were simple.  Every person from Pre-K through adult in the Oswego County Area was invivted to participate on this years topic...The Person I Admire Most.  With over 800 entries the judges narrowed the chocies down to the top three stories in each grade level, and the winners gathered together tonight to accept their awards.  The first place winner in each category was also given the honor of reading their entry to the audience.

I was fully prepared to hear stories of actors and singers being admired by today's youth, but the theme was consistent throughout each level. Everyone strongly agreed that it was a family member that meant the most to them.  Hearing the 4, 5 and 6 year olds read their stories was utterly adorable and very impressive.  Despite their young age they fully understood the meaning of family values and proudly carried it over in their writing piece.  As the age level increased, the length of the writing did as well, bringing with it more details on how a loved one has influenced their lives. 

As the adult category was called to come up for their award I walked up to the podium with a sense of accomplishment. I was proud to be standing amongst other great writers.  My second place ribbon will be hung on the wall as a reminder that I will achieve my goal of becoming an author if I continue to work hard at it. I would like to thank all of you who came out to witness my humble beginning as I attempt broaden my horizons.  I appreciate all of the support that you continue to show me on a daily basis.

With the demands of a full time job, a family and a daughter with a very busy schedule, I find that I tend to put off those little tasks that simply can wait for a more convient time.  There is always something more pressing that needs my attention so I figured there is no harm in waiting for a rainy day. Little by little I let things pile up, now the amount of it all has gotten me overwhelemd and completely stressed.

Another weekend was coming to a close with long honey do list still stuck to the fridge, I knew that it was now or never.  Today was the day that I needed to start relieving myself of some undo anxiety, so that I could concentrate on my larger goals.  To make myself accountable I took a few moments to prioritize my list and put myself on a schedule.  I wanted to get everything done and still have time to enjoy the day.  Could I do it?

My mind was focused on the finish line so I did not allow for any distractions.  This meant that the phone went unanswered and I did not check my email until I was done. (That was hard to do!!).  One by one I started crossing off my accomplishments, and with that my stress level decreased.  It was actually a good feeling to finally take charge of my life.  By the time 2:30 came around I was found lying in my hammock with a magazine in my hand.  I had done it!!!

As I look around now I can feel a sense of peace.  My calendar is jam packed for the next two weeks but now I can focus solely on what each day brings without having to worry about when I will find time to squeeze in something else.  What lessons have I learned from this?  First I realized that nobody can do it all by themselves.  It's impossible to be the Stepford wife and the perfect mom.  I do not need to assume all of the responsiblity for everything while the rest of the family gets to do as they please.  It needs to be a team effort if we all want to succeed.  Second I need to stop taking on so much.  My husband is right when he says that I bring it all on myself.  I am going to try to cut our schedules down for the rest of the year and stop feeling guilty if I have to say no once in a while.  Lastly I have come to the conclusion that if I don't take care of myself I cannot live up to my potential when taking care of others.  I have going to carve out some "me time" every day, even if it's just for a few moments.  15 minutes of tranquility can lead to a more productive life.  With that being said, I am going outside now to my garden where I plan on sitting down and smelling each rose that I worked so hard to plant.

17 years ago Heidi M. Allen was kidnapped from her place of employment, never to be heard from again.  Since then her sister Lisa Buske has made it her mission to keep Heidi's memory alive. She has spoken pubically  to raise awareness, taken part in the Ride For Missing Children, and has also written a book about her sister's abduction.  But there was still a need to help ease the pain of having to drive past the exactly spot where her sister was lost, so Lisa spearheaded another project. In 2009 the Community Garden in memory of Heidi M. Allen broke ground, bringing with it a symbol of hope for those who have lost loved ones.

Tomorrow the community will gather once again to renew their hopes and their dedication to remember Heidi.  At 12:30 caring citizens will gather at the Sun Up gas station (formerly D&W) where Heidi was kidnapped and take part in an annual spring cleaning & planting event. The day will be spent reviving the garden in honor of Heidi. While I never got the opportunity to meet Heidi, it is easy to see how much she was loved by the amount of support she has received from her community over the years.  I would like to encourage all of you to continue that tradition and come and partcipate with us. 

For more information on this event or on Heidi Allen, please visit her sister's website at LisaBuske.Weebly.Com or Facebook.com/LisaBuske

What a great day.  Opportunities have risen once again for me to share my story with others, in hopes of inspiring them to move on despite of the adversitites that they have faced.  While I can't divulge any more details at this point, I will keep everyone updated as the time come closer.

My focus for the next month is two fold.  The first is to count down the days until summer....at which I can fully concentrate on my second goal...edit the final chapters of my book.  Naively I thought I would of had my manuscript finished by the end of last summer, but there is so much more to the process than I ever realized.  Perfection cannot be rushed so if I have to extend my deadline for the sake of quality I won't mind too much.

I am preparing to be one of two featured writers during my master writing class.  This will give me a one hour critique session with my peers and then an individualized crititique session with the teacher.  I absolutely cannot wait for their input.  I love hearing what they think works wonderfully and what I may want to tweak for better perception. 

Another very busy weekend is approaching and my plate is overflowing with both professional and personal obligations.  I am hoping to find some time to enjoy the sunshine (I'm being optimistic that we will get some), and  get some yard work done.  My summer flowers are starting sprout and they ne

Last night was the first night in a week that I had no prior commitments and could actually come straight home from work and relax.  It had been so long that I almost forgot what the meaning of the word was, but wasted no time in capturing all that it had to offer.  I took a long soak in the tub and then snuggled into a pair of comfy pj's.  Like usual the feel of the water not only relaxed my mind, but unleashed my writing potential.

I pulled out some editing that I've been putting off and got straight to work.  What was perplexing me before now seemed perfectly clear, and resulted in some very poetic chapters.  My words have gone from telling the audience a story to making them feel that they were really in the scene.  Very exciting!!!

I should have some more time later this week to finely tune my first five chapters in preperation for my master writing class.  The editing process has taken me over a year and a half so far, but it has been worth it.  With each class that I attend I take home with me more information and knowledge on what is the most effective use of my words.  I also find that I carry this over into my day job and I push my students to use more details on their writing pieces as well.  It's amazing how a few extra words can transform soembody's work.

Today's goal is to finish editing where I left off last night.  My laptop is backed in my work bag and my notes are ready to be plugged in their respective chapters.  I have enough time carved out for today where I should be able to complete this task, but my fingers are crossed that no unforseen gliches come up between now and then.  I've learned that in my life I need to expect the unexpected!

To say that I was busy this weekend would be an understatement.  My calendar was packed with opportunities to visit with friends and help some worthy causes along the way.  I came away completely exhausted, yet satisified knowing that I had contributed in helping others.

Friday night I got to go to a purse party at Lisa's house.  What is a purse party you ask?  Well let's just say that it a little slice of heaven for those women who loves bags and accessories. After browsing around for a while I ended up getting a new laptop bag that conviently happened to match my purse.  I figured that I needed soemthing a little more safisticated to carry around with me than my daughter's pink tote that is embellished with hearts. Lisa felt that it was a good choice because I would require something nice for when I go to speaking engagements.  I like her thinking!

On Saturday I worked the Brianna Bowl III fundraiser at the bowling alley. One of my oldest friends holds this annual fundraiser in her daughters honor and all of the proceeds go to the Austism Task Force. They were able to raise $2,077 dollars which will provide 4 college scholarships to help autistic children continue with their education.  Way to go!!!!

Sunday was the Parent's Of Special Children Jamboree and I couldn't resist offering to help work this as well. This parent driven originization provides respite for families who have children with all sorts of disabilities. Each year they hold this event to raise money to put towards the allocation money that each family receives.  The event consists of a chicken BBQ, a live band, activities for the kids, and of course raffles/prizes.  My daughter and I supervised an art & craft activity there and she was very excited to win a prize after playing some of the games.  If you would like more information on this originization there is a link to their homepage under my "links" tab above.

Working full time can be daunting sometimes.  On days like today I long to just be outside and breath in the smell of fresh cut grass. I am one of those people who could lay in the sun all day long and soak in the rays until dawn is upon us.  Unfortunatally this doesn't always pay the bills.

That is why I love my second job so much.  It can take me anywhere at any time and I am in charge of when I want to put in the hours.  I love it so much that time often gets away from me. I am more than willing to trade sleep for time spent finishing my deadlines.  Yes, my passion and my heart belong my writing.

I was inspired to sit down by the water this afternoon to work on revisions with a friend.  Watching the waves rock back and forth removes all of my stress from my day job and allows me to focus on my writing with a clear head.  It is a peaceful time that always renews my hopes of seeing my efforts pay off one day.

My new summer office will be located on the sandy shores of my local beach in just a few short weeks.  My desk will consist of a tote bag filled with paper, pencils, sticky notes and a laptop.  Blankets will be layed down to form the perimiter of my work space and within the man made walls I will work until the tide washes me away. 

When the fall comes I must travel like a nomad to find a more suitable place to call my office.  Perhaps it will be under an apple tree, or maybe just in a quiet resturant as I watch through the window as the wind carries the last golden leaf off the trees once again.  Wherever I am doesn't really matter because my second job is the one where my passion is at.

Diamonds...how else could two months salary create a lifetime of happiness for a woman. It's true that we all love showing off those sparkling rocks, and of course bigger is always better.  Over the years I have collected quite a few pieces of jewelry that I love just as much my best friend, but it seems that I have trouble maintaining my relationship with them.  

Just this past Monday I had told you how excited I was to find my diamond earring that had been missing. After it was found I breathed a big sigh of relief and then carefully placed it inside my jewelry box for safe keeping. Just when I thought the world was right once again, I woke up this morning only to find that I had lost yet another diamond earring out of my ear..what are the chances?  The two that I lost were both only acquired this past year, one for Christmas and the other for my anniversary.   It seems like our new found friendship is off to a rocky start. (no pun intended!)

I am no stranger when it comes to loosing my jewelry. Three years ago I lost another pair of diamond studs when I had to remove them while at the emergency room prior to getting an x-ray. I was in so much pain at that time that I never gave it a second thought and left them sitting on the silver tray next to the x-ray machine.  It wasn't until two months later that I even realized they were gone, and by then it was way too late to call the hospital and search for them. (Next time I get injured I'll have to remember to do a jewelry check before getting examined)  So now I am on another search for a shiny stone that hopefully didn't wander too far from home. 

Now don't get me wrong, I take good care of my stones.  They get a professional shinning each time that I go to the mall and I never knowingly let them out of my sight.  I keep them near and dear to my heart, but sometimes they have a way escaping.  Thankfully they always seem to turn up sooner or later, with the exception of the ones from the hospital.  I have confidence that they will realize how much I miss them and show up in the strangest place when I least expect it...or at least I hope they will!

This weekend our state college will be celebrating the graduating class of 2011.  One of my dear friends will be proudly walking across the stage and accepting her diploma.  She had originally planned on earing her degree years ago, but one semester short of graduation her father became ill and she had to leave her schooling to attend to his needs.  While she never regretted taking care of her family, she did feel a void in her life and wanted to finish pursuing her dreams.  Several years later she received that opportunity and returned to school.

During her absence the school requirements had changed and she would now have to attend for a year and a half to make up for that one semester that she lacked.  The setback did not deter her and she took the challenge on with fierce determination.  While working one full time job and a part time job, my friend went to school full time and maintained a great GPA, while playing nurse and primary care taker for both her father and grandmother.  Did I mention that she also played in both the college concert band and orchestra? Wow... I'm tired just thinking about it all. The only thing that she did not do for the past 18 months was sleep!

I wanted to take a moment and tell her how proud I am of her and all of her accomplishments.  She is proof that hard work and dedication pays off. She has not only earned her degree, but she has also earned a much needed vacation.  She is a strong woman who will go far in life and I am very honored that she is my friend.

Love Ya "E squared" !!
xoxoxox