In Gratitude

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Laurie Buchanan

With an immense amount of love and gratitude, I share that this is my final post on Tuesdays with Laurie.

When I started blogging over a decade ago, I had no idea the journey I was about to begin. I’m grateful for the online community that I’ve met, and am fortunate to call friends.

The fact of the matter is, I’m pulled in a different direction and must bring the Tuesdays with Laurie chapter to a close. The decision to step away is difficult but necessary.

To stay connected, please subscribe to my quarterly newsletter at lauriebuchanan.com. That’s how you’ll receive updates on book releases, speaking engagements, promotions, and giveaways.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the years of your support and connection here. It’s meant the world to me.

With thanksgiving and appreciation,

Laurie

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones?

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Laurie Buchanan

Stones can take us the distance, especially when they keep us out of the current in a running stream as we try to cross it. I live next to the Boise River. I know this to be true!

A boulder on our path can either be an inconvenience or a platform. Stepping on a boulder allows us to get a better perspective of what’s ahead.

Interestingly, what some people see as stumbling blocks are perceived as “normal occurrences” by others. Our attitude can either be a stumbling block or a stepping stone.

When you encounter boulders, do you see stumbling blocks or stepping stones?

We Eloped 40 Years Ago

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Laurie Buchanan

Len and I eloped on St. Patrick’s Day forty years ago. My parents were less than thrilled, but they soon discovered that he’s a terrific guy and ended up loving him as much as they loved me.

People often ask us the recipe for our success. The secret is in the way we express our love. Here’s a list of our favorite ingredients:

Mutual respect
Intentional kindness
Active listening
Forgiveness
Quality individual time, balanced with quality together time
Personal hobbies, balanced with mutual interests
Laughter. Definitely laughter!

What’s your favorite relationship ingredient?

Writers’ Institute 2020

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Laurie Buchanan

I’m excited to present three sessions at this year’s UW-Madison Writers’ Institute March 26-29.

Without a doubt, I would not have two award-winning books (and a third book on the way) had it not been for this writing conference. It gave me—and continues to provide—the tools, confidence, and support necessary for publication.

While there, I will be available for thirty-minute WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW sessions where I’ll meet one-on-one with individuals to discuss all things writing.

There’s still time to register: https://uwwritersinstitute.wisc.edu

What is the most recent type of conference that you attended?

P-Squared: Peace & Productivity

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Laurie Buchanan

My hiatus in Cardiff by the Sea, CA was both peaceful and productive.

The peaceful part for me is inherent in just being by the ocean. That, coupled with sunshine, loads of hummingbird activity, and what I call “nesting”—ample time to think, noodle, and simply be.

Thirteen out of the nineteen days were writing days. That’s where the productivity came in. I’m well on my way to completing Iconoclast—book two of the thriller series I’m currently working on.

When was the last time you carved out P-Squared time?

ON hiatus – OFF the grid

Posted on January 28, 2020 by Laurie Buchanan

For the next three Tuesdays you won’t receive an email notification that I’ve published a fresh post. Why? Because I’m ON hiatus and OFF the grid from February 1-19.

I’m not going to share my exact location at this time, but here’s a hint. The photo below is a well-known landmark a stone’s throw from the location I’ll be at.

If you know where it is, shhhh, don’t tell anyone. It’ll be our little secret. I’m going on a deep-dive and won’t come back up for air until I return to Boise.

When was the last time you went on hiatus?

Adventure Awaits

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Laurie Buchanan

There are no two ways about it — I ❤️ TO TRAVEL!

When I mind-map each year, the four categories that I break down into small attainable steps are health, family/friends, travel, and writing/speaking. Stateside or international—planes, trains, or automobiles—for me, travel is a cornerstone.

Whether I go by myself, with Len, or with my sister, I enjoy the sense of adventure. I make a practice of packing light. Really light. I never check my baggage: just two pieces, a wheeled carry-on, and a laptop tote. And I enjoy arriving at the airport early so that I can people-watch.

The moment I buckle into my seat, I pop my earbuds in (the international signal for “please do not disturb”), pull out my Kindle, and read until the plane lands.

I currently have four sets of round-trip airline tickets waiting for use in my travel folder. My first adventure of the year is coming up soon. I’ll share more about that in next week’s post.

Do you have up-and-coming travel plans?

Watershed Moment

Posted on January 14, 2020 by Laurie Buchanan

The original usage of the word “watershed” describes a ridge of land separating waters that then flow into two different bodies.

A “watershed moment” is a turning point, the exact moment that changes the direction of an activity or situation, a dividing point from which things will never be the same. It’s considered momentous, though a watershed moment is often recognized in hindsight.