Life is a Song

A few verses to know by heart

2011-12-15T14:47:00.000-05:00

Today's project: make a master list of Bible verses for my daughter to learn for homeschool. I started with...

100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart

by Robert J Morgan

I added a few myself but here is the first batch. Just 10 verses to get her started. I found myself enjoying this assignment and found a few verses to add to my own memory. Feel free to join with me in celebrating the Word.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Ephesians 5:20

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Romans 10:9

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Let me know if any of these verses are an encouragement to you. I just couldn't pass up sharing this. All verses were found on Biblegateway.com

Leah Banicki

Mom, writer, homeschool teacher and wife.

https://www.facebook.com/Leah.Banicki.Novelist

How to read Kindle on your computer - by Leah Banicki

2011-11-30T16:39:00.000-05:00

Being a new author is a challenge but being a reader shouldn't be.

I have answered many questions from friends and family about ebooks and how convenient they can be. I personally have hundreds of ebooks and don't own an ereader yet. (Hoping for christmas.)

The main issue I have seen is that people don't know that

You can download Ebooks to Your Computer

For Free!

I will show you how.

Step one: Goto

Kindle Reading Apps Page

The page should look something like this!

Choose PC or Mac

but know if you have any of the phones above the apps are just as easy to use.

the next page has the download button.

Just follow the prompts to download and load your application.

Once it is loading you can open the application.

You can See the LIBRARY button and any book you select will look like this. :)

When you read you have the single or double page option (shown below)

Can click on the sides or use Arrow Keys to go to the next page.

I love it because I can make the screen as big as I like. It works especially well for cookbooks.

The best thing about the Kindle App is that it's FREE.

There are a ton of free books available on Amazon.com as well as other sites. Like http://www.archive.org/ with thousands of out of print and rare books scanned and upload by libraries around the world. It is a readers paradise.

I hope this helped to introduce you to the wonder of how easy ebooks could be for you. I will gladly answer any questions on my page on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/Leah.Banicki.Novelist

I am also an author but love getting people excited about using technology and enjoying it.

http://www.leahbanicki.com/

Music & Writing

2011-08-20T18:57:00.000-04:00

Just popping in to tell the world about what I have been up too.

Just this year I published my first novel, Seeing the Elephant, by Leah Banicki (me), but this journey has been an interesting one.

My life in a nut shell...

Leah the singer - doing commercials and voice overs since the age of ten, performing on every stage imaginable. Lead singer of a Christian Rock back that traveled around Michigan with some amazing people. (I got pictures of me in leather pants to prove it.)

I love music, I truly do, it's in the blood.

Writing has been another passion for me but was always in the background. It worked well for me while in a rock band, songwriting fulfilled that urge I had to fill up notebooks. But even in between times I have at least 30 stories started with ideas and characters floating around in spiral notebooks since I was a little kid.

Just found one the other day from when I was a teen, two teenagers got stranded when a plane crashed on a desert island. Not very original, I laughed my way through my pages.

Four years ago, everything changed. My hectic lifestyle of singing every other weekend in our local big church, working full time, and recording my own cd in my home studio came to a screeching halt.

I got a parasite somehow, (still don't know how) called campylbacter, it nearly killed me. Food has not been the same since, neither has my health. Once the doctors figured it out and got rid of it, my body was broken. I spent an entire summer in bed. Three years later, still trying to learn how to eat and not be sick, not singing, not writing, barely living. My family has been so supportive, loving me through the hard days. Sickness isn't pretty and chronic illness takes it's toll on everyone. Not just me.

I read a book by a friend, Patricia Strefling, and was so inspired that I picked up my old beat up laptop hand me down and began writing again. A story that had been in my heart for more than a decade. battling my ever sick stomach and broken intestines, I took my ten years of research I had done and the story bloomed from the few chapters I had doodled over the last decade and fleshed it out to the adventure of my lifetime.

The economy has hit my home in a big way in the last few years and my husband and I struggled along pinching pennies as I was sick at home the last three years, somehow feeling guilty for having found something I enjoy doing from my place on the couch or sickbed. In a few years my life had done a complete turn around. It was very difficult to face for me some days, missing the stage, my health and livelihood, but having writing was a new direction for me to look for hope.

Before I even finished the new stories started flowing in my head, sequels and other stories. Some hitting close to home, characters that have to face some hard situations before finding their happy ending.

My struggle to find my health is still an active one. I feel lucky to have a few days in a row that I feel good enough to go out and about. I take it day by day. I am learning about the publishing industry from my perch here at home. I read everything I can afford and write and write and write.

The thing I have learned that is most valuable this year that no matter where you are at you can do something. I showed my daughter that even from a sickbed you can reach people. Holding my first book in my hand was a profound experience for all of my family. Even on the worst sick days I have hope. I have a story to tell, nothing can stop me.

Be blessed, Leah Banicki

My First Book

Goodreads Giveaway

Some Good Clean Books

2011-08-10T17:39:00.002-04:00

Being a writer today has it's challenges, especially for the self-published. Trying to put out a good book that people want to read has been a challenge for every generation. Putting out a good clean romance and getting it in the hands of readers is even harder.
Certain genres of writing have gotten a lot of attention lately but I am determined to write my stories for the young and old alike.
A good romance doesn't have to shock you with inappropriate actions to be a great novel. Jane Austen wrote amazing and captivating characters that kept our attention and stayed in our hearts for generations. Today I want to focus on a few books that you can recommend to your daughter, your friends and your own mother.
Great stories with memorable characters, fun plots and romance. After all we know what we love to read, we should be able to have something clean and good to go to. Simple as that.

Today wanted to promote a good clean Romance novel by an amazing writer.

Edwina - by Patricia Strefling

Edwina is a small town librarian and loves her predictable lifestyle. But her stepsister Cecilia has other plans. As they are about to board a plane for Scotland, Cecelia is suddenly called away. Exhausted and alone in Edinburgh, Edwina collapses into the arms of a tall Scot. Anxious to meet his fiance, Alex Dunnegin whisks Edwina off to his castle and that's when the trouble begins.

For the Kindle

For the Nook

or go to http://www.patriciastrefling.com for news about all her books.

Patricia loves to tell stories about people so real you can live the story with them. From contemporary to historical her books are a pleasure to read. - Leah Banicki

I hope you enjoy trying out new authors like I do. I found myself in a rut always going to the same authors and reading stories that seemed further and further away from interesting.

I am so glad I stepped outside my normal box and tried out some new and talented writers. It refreshed my love for reading. - I hope it does for you too.

Leah Banicki

If you write clean fiction and would be interested in being spotlighted on this blog email me at romanticsoul@leahbanicki.com

You can also find me on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877802.Leah_Banicki

Writing about Romance

2011-07-28T00:41:00.000-04:00

Writing About Romance

This newest WIP (work in progress) is a lot more about finding love than my first book.

I am a romantic soul that gets pretty giddy about love, for me or anybody else. I adore the little looks that happen between people when the sparks start to fly.

Tonight I am writing a dating scene and feel all the highs and lows with my characters as the scene plays out. I am loving the challenge of keeping my stories “sweet”. There are plenty of hot and steamy romances; I enjoy the sweetness before the spice in my writing. I am hoping my audience will too.

When I write these scenes I try to remember when I was first falling in love. That excitement/terror of it, the impatient times when you are certain you may perish before he makes a move or the fear that lingers when I missed the chance to say something and maybe he will start dating someone else. The simple pleasure of when HE first held my hand.(I still love it!)

The sweet torture it was to wait for that first kiss. Maybe it’s just me but that is what gets me happy. When a book can remind me about what I love about love, it's bliss.

Back to writing my novel, just wanted to gush and share my thoughts.

Leah Banicki –

Author of Seeing the Elephant

Watch the Book Trailer for Seeing the Elephant

Leah Banicki - Book Trailer for Seeing the Elephant

2011-06-20T15:50:00.000-04:00

I am recovery from foot surgery this week. It wasn't serious but stuck on the couch for three-four days was not my idea of good time. The first day the pain was pretty intense so I took it upon myself to make a distraction project.

This is the result.

Seeing the Elephant by Leah Banicki
Book Trailer. *made on my Mac*

Please pass it along and share with your book loving friends.

Support your Independent Authors

www.leahbanicki.com

Exerpt of Seeing the Elephant - Debut Novel

2011-05-31T17:36:00.000-04:00

An exerpt from

Seeing the Elephant

by Leah Banicki

Setting 1848 - Oregon Trail
Snake River crossing...

Corinne was on the other side of the river when her horse Clover jumps at a sound and Corinne loses her seat. She goes flying and bumps her head and rolls for a second or two before she felt the water splash around her. At first she was dazed. Where am I?

The water is cool and the gurgling current under the surface was loud. She is swept along the river and breaks the surface once or twice to catch some air but is pulled under the current. She feels herself starting to panic as her lungs start burning. Her head bumps a rock and the thud is felt to her core. She is grabbing for anything, kicking her legs, and wanting to curse her skirts and petticoats for wrapping around her legs in such a moment.

Her hand reaches and finds a branch to grab. With what little energy she has left from her thrashing about she pulls herself up on a rock. She lies there for a minute without moving but to cough and breathe. Her head aches a bit from hitting something underwater. She lay there thinking of her friend Angela and her fall into the ravine. Secreting hoping her own fate in the wilderness turns out better.

She sits up slowly with a groan and observes her surroundings. There were tall walls on each side of the river. The crossing was a good place, this was not. Corinne stood on shaky legs and tried to climb the wall but the edges were a bit too smooth. There was no edge to grab. She looks down and sees the rock she was sitting on is covered in slime and a few mysterious spongy things that Corinne assumes are alive in some way. She decides to sit back down and ignore the slime. Her dress and petticoats are now filthy and clinging to her legs even worse than they were in the water. Corinne sighs and looks up to the edge, hoping to see someone looking for her. At the wagon crossing there is always a lot of chaos. How long will it be before someone notices that I am missing?

She thinks about yelling but with the headache that she was getting she figures to save herself the pain. She was not desperate enough to yell yet.

She is glad the clouds are moving in a little to block the hot sun. She has been sitting here on the slimy rock for more than twenty minutes according to her lapel watch. She has shaken the water from it and it still was ticking. She pins it back on her damp collar.

She hears a few far off gunshots and watches a torn up wagon come around the bend toward her part of the river. Corinne panics a second but sees the water pull it away from her perch and drags its twisted empty shell away. She has hopes for the family that they got out in time and says a prayer for whoever they were.
She was so focused on the wagon that went by that she does not hear the nearby voices. She pulls herself from her praying when she looks up and sees Clive and Lucas smiling down on her from the edge of the cliff.

* * * * *

I hope you enjoyed the snippet of my debut novel, Seeing the Elephant.

A story of survival on the American frontier.

Now Available:

Seeing the Elephant - Free Sample

www.leahbanicki.com

New Bears Recruit -Does a Good Deed

2011-05-21T21:44:00.000-04:00

My friend Jen Levell told me on the phone a few days ago about an amazing thing that was going to happen for her daughter. Joslyn Levell, 14 years old with spina bifida and wheelchair bound, got a date to the prom from a famous person.
I knew Jen had been struggling with helping her daughter cope with disappointment. As a mother we want to do as much as we can. Sometimes we can only love them through the hurt.

Dreams of dancing may be hard to swallow for a girl in a wheelchair but asking 7 different boys to the middle school prom and getting told "no" might be a little more than hard to take. It would be devastating.

A chance meeting. . . and cinderella gets to go to the ball.

Read all about my friend's journey. From ESPN...

ESPN - Thomas makes fans dreams come true - Article

I have cried with joy several times this week with Jen, Joslyn's mom, when she told me on the phone about what was going to happen, also when I got the picture texted to my iphone and again when I read the story on ESPN website.

Sometimes good things can happen. I feel lucky to be a witness.

Josyln, I hope for many more miracles for you, baby girl!

Story on Demand

2011-05-15T14:07:00.000-04:00

A story challenge on friday was:

Radio challenge:
Song line. "Doctor Doctor, give me the news."
Now write a story.

Here is my submission. Just for fun:

I nervously click my pen as I wait. It usually drove everyone nuts when I would do it but today I am alone, in a cold sterile room in nothing but a thin paper gown.
The door opens and a man with black hair and a salt and pepper beard walks in slowly, his eyes glued to the chart in his hands.
"Doctor..." I say... and wait. I clear my throat loudly, perhaps a little rudely.
"Doctor, give me the news!"
He looks up at me and smiles broadly. I don't actually want to hear him talk I realize. I nervously tell a joke to calm myself. It's my doctor's office tradition. It's my one act stand up comedy routine.
"Can we cure this with penicillin or do we just have to chop it off?" I say with a grimace.
He gave me the double blink of the humorless soul and looks down at his chart momentarily confused.
"Well, Mrs. Palmer I do have news."
I hold my breath...
"Triplets!"

By Leah Banicki

Journaling

2011-05-09T22:33:00.000-04:00

Journaling:

The last three years of my life has seen a fall in my health, death to a few close family members a few habit changes and an increase in my anxiety levels. All of these things happen in life I have discovered. It's our job to go with the flow or get washed away.

For me writing was a way to think about things outside the struggle. When I couldn't eat without pain I could write as an escape. When the time for mourning was a heavy burden writing was something I could do to take my mind off the pain I was feeling but also the pain of everyone in my family.

Journaling has been a big part of healing for me. Fiction is fun and has it's ironic times where your mind uses your own experiences and pain and lets the story go there sometimes without your permission as a writer. (I know it sounds crazy but it's true. I checked with other writers. It wasn't just me.)

Journaling is more personal, actually it's downright narcissistic. But... I have come to a conclusion, everyone needs a safe place to say "What about me?" - I believe that's why I need to journal, to write out all the crazy thoughts in my head that I can't always say. Then I can look over them and decide whats junk and what is worthy of keeping. I feel it's where I have had the toughest conversations with myself, with God. I sometimes even journal prayers. A pen can silently say a lot I have found.

Knowing the reader is only me is freeing. I try out book scenes and I think some of my best work came from a real place that started from my journal.

Because I have been writing so much I do a lot of journaling on my laptop. I have a Word and just use the insert date and time and start writing. The next time I just insert date again. One day I will have a 400 page monstrosity and will have to start a new file.

Goofy things I do with Journals:

For my book journals I love to fill them up with stickers. I do not scrapbook but I am addicted to buying stickers and decorating anything I want with them. :) I have many filled journals and notebooks that are full of thoughts and stickers. It makes me happy.

What do you love to journal about?

Self-Publishing Tango

2011-05-07T20:28:00.000-04:00

The self-publishing tango...

It feels strange to be done with my first novel. I had a few days after the first draft was done that I felt like this too. Like a huge 'Now what?' cloud lingered as I went about my days after I finally caught up on sleep after the finish-the-book grind.

New projects made their way in and the new WIP (work in progress) is coming along nicely. It feels good to know I have more than one book bouncing around in my noggin. Now the parade of new ideas needs to slow to a reasonable trickle while I work at the game of the writing life.
Live life, love my hubby & my kid, pray... write...
Eat food, hygiene, soccer game...write
Job, friends, birthday party, grocery shopping...write

It's a dance that I am slow to learn the steps but eager to sway to the music for now.

Now the next chapter and a new dance partner has arrived. Self-publishing!!!

Years of my life spent researching and writing. My book SEEING THE ELEPHANT is done.

Cover made, pages organized and sized just so... ebook file manipulated and bookmarked... don't ask me how it works I have no idea. 4 different attempts at getting the cover text perfectly done on the spine was a test of my graphics art training in college. I now have less remorse about those student loan payments. (grimace)

Much respect to anyone who has self-published before me, I understand the roller coaster ride more than ever now. The excitement of your 'baby' getting to be let loose on the world is thrilling and terrifying. The new tools available to self-pubbing authors is amazing. Go smashwords.com !!! But it certainly is WORK!!
Wonderful brain-numbing, detail grinding editing primping and fussing like a debutante getting ready for her debut. Now it is done... My book proof is in the mail. My ebooks on smashwords.com and on the way to many respectable E-reader bookstores everywhere. Big breath- let it out. Now to wait....and think way too much.
My heart does a little trip-trop everytime I think of someone reading my book. Hoping they like it, hoping it makes them smile, laugh, get angry or just feel something...

For those that know me as a singer this is a different art form to discover about me. I am pretty used to an instant gratification with my audience, this is different. Reading is not a spectator sport. You do it alone. With live music the fade-out means the sound is gone and only a memory of the performance remains. Writing has such a more permanent feel. The ink and paper a tangible thing. My voice... carries out. Scary and exhilarating.

So I hope you enjoy the one-on-one with me. Please share you feedback as you always have with me. That's what art is for.

A free sample of the first few chapters available for download. Enjoy.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/57412

Thanks everyone for sharing the ride with me. My printed books will be available soon.

Love, Leah

Why I Write

2011-04-25T13:43:00.003-04:00

From the first week of fourth grade I can say definitively that I have been writing. My fourth grade English teacher had a weekly assignment due every Monday for a one page story. My young heart leapt and my writing began as most little girl’s does with rainbows and butterflies and everything that makes us happy. I am unashamedly a girlie girl.

My writing has been my own since then, I had also the inherited a gift for singing, being in a musical family and performing on stages since the age of six. That was the gift I shared, but my writing was for me.

Lately the shift has changed. I read a book from a friend who is published and lives in my hometown. I remember visiting her home when I was young when my family went for a visit, her children where my age. She was always friendly and smart. Her book was intuitive, real and well told. I enjoyed the read so much and I am ashamed to admit I was shocked.

How can someone from my hometown be such a good writer? It must be a well rehearsed small town insecurity that talent is only born in big cities. My mind began to shift and after a meeting or two with my new inspirational friend I was encouraged to finish what I had started more than a decade before.

It’s hard to remember when I began as “the Oregon trail” book for it was in my head long before I ever wrote anything.

More than a decade ago the research and writing began. I have always loved history. My secret longing to time travel gets to come out and play for when I write it feels like I am there.

My book sat with several chapters done, piles, and piles of historical research had been gathered for more than a decade. I know it sounds a bit like a mental illness but this whole time the characters have been in my head, growing and learning with me on my life’s pathway.

I cannot thank my friend sufficiently for being brave enough to share her book with the world and helping me be brave enough to share mine. In the last year I have finally finished my first novel. SEEING THE ELEPHANT

Weekly visits and nearly daily emails have been shared with encouragement and sharing word counts at the end of the day (or wee hours of the morning.)

The story to me means so much because it is the struggle to find her strength in a male dominated world. I can understand and relate to my characters as they trudge through the untamed land.

With the application of my new writing disciplines the next stories are coming and all the research has paid off well. I can’t wait to share my stories with the world.

To join my author page on facebook click here. Leah Banicki Author Page

Leah's Good Deed - Kinda

2011-01-29T18:43:00.000-05:00

Out grocery shopping and was stuck behind a long line of cars at a red light. As i worked my way up the line I saw a woman wrapped up in hat and scarves carrying a sign.

"WILL WORK FOR FOOD"
Laid off - need food for my kids.

I watched her get into the car in front of me and left her purse behind. I honked my horn before they took off but they were gone and her purse was sitting on the icy curb.
I was at a loss of what to do. Should I take the purse and see if I can call her or take it to her home, or leave it there at the mercy of someone who could steal it and not return it. I was convinced I should help, the light was still red so I jumped out and ran over to the cheetah purse still in the snow.
I was shocked by what I saw. The purse was empty but for a large empty bottle of vodka.

I left it there. Good feeling gone.

-Sigh-
By: Leah Banicki

One Month gluten Free

2010-11-10T19:28:00.000-05:00

** Self Diagnosed with Celiac Disease - Blogging my Gluten free Journey **

One Month in the Gluten free trenches.

Slowly getting my energy back. Felt really toxic from the second week on. I finally got desperate and googled some ways to detox my body.

Green teas - mint, chamomile, cinnamon were my daily by the gallon choices
Epsalt salt baths - with baking soda added one day, raw sliced ginger another day, and real lavender essential oil on the third day
Essential oil rub - olive oil with a few drops of peppermint oil, lavender oil & chamomile oil. Rubbed over my abdomen at night before bed and again when I got up. (I thought it was a bit silly but I actually was less achy after the first night.)

I really noticed the difference

after the baths, teas and abdomen oil rub.

I took some alfalfa in capsule form and when I didn't feel sick from it I took a little more the next day. Sometimes certain vitamins still really bother my grain-mangled guts. The toxic feeling started leaving and I actually was able to get some decent sleep for a few days.

The last few days my guts are starting to calm down and the random pains are lessening. I am determined to just go one day at a time.

What I ate this week:
Got some Udi's gluten free bread - Yummy
made toast one day and a peanut butter and jelly the next - pretty good

Made homemade spinach dip - SO DELICIOUS!! I loaded it with tons of green veggies and am sad cause it's all gone. It's the best thing I ate all week. Used almond crackers or corn tortilla chips for dipping.

Betty Crocker GF brownie mix - fudgie goodness. I got teary-eyed after the first bite. Even my hubby liked it.

Homemade cornbread - It was tasty but turned hard as a brick after a day. Will adjust the recipe.

I am hungry so I am off to whip up some gluten free goodness. I am anxious about the upcoming holidays and my ability to partake. Need to be patient and prepared.

I'd love to thank my mom this week for the cheerleading and dragging my sorry behind to the health food store. Mom, you are great company and I am glad we are in this together!

Leah Banicki
Gluten free since 10-8-10

3 weeks gluten free - still alive

2010-11-02T16:35:00.001-04:00

There are many people who think that going Gluten free would be a life sentence to boring food. I have heard some people have refused to go gluten free even with a diagnose of Celiac's disease. That is sad to me. The more I read the more I see dangers of continuing without changing the diet. Danger's like cancer, infertility, seizures and more.
If gluten filled foods like pizza, bread & donuts are killing me... I can live without them.

The reality is, if every time you ate these things they acted like broken glass in your body eventually you would stop, if you knew.

I am not tempted in the slightest to eat anything with gluten right now. Seriously, I miss me. The singing , writing , social person that was Leah before my body went haywire. I miss having the energy to work out and go to my kid's sporting events, ( I missed an entire season when I couldn't get out of bed because of intestinal pain when I ate anything.) I gave up my singing , writing and living. It was a dark and lonely place, even with the love and support of my family.

Three weeks in and surviving. First two weeks were better honestly. A lot of research has led me to understand that coming off of gluten can be tough. There is a detoxing phase. I am losing weight and its a sad fact that toxins live in stored fat. (I know, not pleasant to think about.) Had lots of leg cramps this week.
I have felt sick for two years but I don't know the damage that was done to my intestines. I am eating with the idea to heal. I am not worrying about how many calories. Though my habit is too barely eat and I am working hard to change my eating.

My husband says I still don't eat enough. He takes such good care of me. He has embraced my new gluten free life and cheers me on.

Today: made homemade cornbread (http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/ recipe)

So tasty. Had seconds with a little apple butter.

Organizing my gluten free pantry. Will probably make some muffins today too. Stocking up so I have some handy food so I eat healthier and more, to make me and my hubby happy. = P

Gluten free Story - Hilarious

2010-10-25T23:42:00.001-04:00

A Celiac friend of mine and her partner entered a restaurant well known for catering to Celiacs.

The were seated and the server came with a menu, after they had time to peruse the menu the server returned.
As soon as he opened his mouth it was obvious he was East European.

Before my friend ordered, she thought it wise to let him know she was a Celiac.

She said " I'm a Celiac and I can't eat Gluten "

Server: Blank Stare

She tried again " No Wheat, Rye or Barley"

Server: Blank Stare

Desperation was setting in she tried once more.

" I can't have flour, very very bad, make me sick"

The Server had a big smile on his face:
.
.
.
.
.
.
and removed the rose from the table !!

________________________________________

Thanks to David H. for posting this on Gluten-free Faces.

http://www.glutenfreefaces.com

2 Weeks Gluten Free

2010-10-22T16:43:00.000-04:00

**After a self diagnoses of Celiac Disease I have started a gluten free adventure. **

2 Weeks in: Gluten Free

Love, Love, Love how I feel.

In two weeks of living gluten free I have energy back,

have lost a dress size and decreased the anxiety in my head.

Two years is a long time to feel sick and not know what's wrong. I have many friends and loved ones over the years feel sick for decades without relief. Their faith and determination kept them moving toward their own health. I had my own sleepless nights of pain and confusion and the hopelessness that sickness brings.

Keep the Faith~
I am a spiritual girl and my faith in God during the hard times was my hope. Trusting God was what got me through the rough days when the doctor had 'nothing in that black bag' for me.

The Food Issues~
I'd be lying if i didn't have a come apart or two about wanting a cookie or slice of pizza in the last two weeks but the improvement was so tangible I don't want to botch it for anything. I mean it!!

My goals~
Keep up the simple eating plan. Gluten free and light on dairy is how I'm doing it. Dairy is hard to digest and it was my choice to give my mangled guts a break. I have had a little bit of dairy but limiting it for now.

Gonna keep up the fight, get healthy and do what I love and gives me purpose and meaning in my life. To sing and write is my lifelong pursuit. I feel so lucky to finally see results and the hope for a healthy life within my grasp.

Be Blessed & Healthy out there

Leah Banicki

Leah's Writing idea!!

2010-10-20T17:45:00.001-04:00

Leah's ridiculous idea of the day -

I was walking back from the grocery store near my work (Dr.pepper was calling to me) and saw something curious on the sidewalk. I glanced closer and saw it was a mysterious looking hospital wristband discarded on the sidewalk. It was blood red and not from the local hospital. ( I know, you have been injured too many times when you know that your local hospital bands are clear!)

The wristband gave me a murder mystery story in my head.

Here is the pitch -

Starting with an escaped mental patient who casually discards his hospital wristband. A young mother leaves for the store but never returns.

A small town detective struggles with her faith and the wrath of a small town when the missing woman isn't found. One clue, a blood red hospital wristband, was found near the woman's apartment.

* * *

It was a fun lunch hour thought. I will add it to my idea pile and keep editing my existing book. Back to work!

Leah Banicki

(Closet mystery writer)

Gluten Free - 7 days in

2010-10-15T16:55:00.000-04:00

What 7 days of Gluten free living has done for me!

This week is a balancing act of eating great and straddling the moments of feeling better than I have in years and the healing moments where my intestines wondered what the heck I am doing.

This weeks challenge was to eat Gluten-free (check) and find a way to stick to it. I think the hardest part about the sticking to it is how easy I have made my life with carb-filled food. The instant gratification of a can of ravioli for lunch or a pop- tart for a snack. The major adjustment was finding realistic things to eat without having to do a big song and dance or two hours of cooking, thawing and chopping.

The reality check is that if I am going to take care of me I have to step up my game. I have to actually try! I have to think! I have to love myself enough to say "I am worth getting up and making something." It is hard to do when you are healing and exhausted but I cannot waste another day just waiting for the food elves to come make me snacks!

I want to thank my family for shopping with and for me, the support is SOOO helpful. I hope as I heal I can be a good a friend and loved one as you all have been to me.

Today someone asked me how much better I feel since one week ago today. I have to say 60% improved in how I feel and energy level. Last week I was starving and bed-ridden, I almost passed out trying to load the dishwasher!
I am more convinced then ever that going Gluten free was the right thing for me. There are moments that rush over me that remind me of when I was younger and had energy and spunk. Those are my hope building moments. I know these are my glimpses of health.

I thank God for opening my eyes.

Glutten free - Day 5

2010-10-13T16:57:00.001-04:00

Embracing my new life being gluten free. I have taken lots of steps to fill my pantry full of GF (gluten free) goodies and have a few baking projects to start, I will share my results for the few that may be curious.

My body is reacting nicely, have the bursts of energy sometimes that feels better than I have felt in years. I know I am still healing and my stamina still needs work but really noticing how much calmer my guts are. They haven't screamed for attention in a few days.

Today my mom and I explored Aldi's for any gluten free potentials and actually found a few. Some chocolate pudding that advertised being gluten free on the front. Of course the veggies and fresh fruit are always gluten free.

Munching on cucumbers right now, so yummy.

For anyone who thinks they may have Celiacs Disease and wonders if it would be too hard to give up wheat I guarantee if you start feeling better, you won't miss the wheat. The gluten free community has so much support and ideas you will be surprised.

I have added a few favorites websites to my blogs website for those curious about Celiacs Disease or needing recipes. There are some amazing chefs that have complete menus. I have really enjoyed the forums and gluten free food lists available too.

Going to try baking some gf biscuits. I will share how they turned out.

Thanks for all the prayers and support friends. I love you all.

Leah Banicki

24 hours of GF The highlights
- last night refried beans tostada - (soooo good)
- today - tuna salad and a fruit smoothie in my magic bullet (soy milk - 4 frozen strawberries dash of salt and cinnamon a spoonful of ground flax* optional) the flax is to help my guts heal, can't even taste it really.)

in my purse for emergency hunger - ziploc of roasted sunflower seeds

Cooking wishlist: Wanna learn

Potato Pancakes
Chicken salad

Gluten Free - day 2-3

2010-10-10T17:37:00.000-04:00

**After a self diagnoses of Celiac Disease I have started a gluten free adventure. **

Just starting day 3 of Gluten Free -
I have just started recovery and still having moments that I don't feel well at all but they are getting further apart, (playing the glad game today!) The food list to avoid seems do-able but the hunt through my pantry is sad, very sad, 95% unusable sad. Feeling weak and a little discouraged from the "You'll never eat Pizza" demon that is determined to steal my joy. I will not let it!! (I said it out loud just now for the demon to hear.)

Starting a shopping list of ideas and finding it slow going, every time I think of something to make I do the GF (gluten-free) game in my head. Things I have learned in the past 48 hours.

Kraft Jello is GF
Miracle Whip is GF
Pepsi products are GF - (I know, not a good habit)
Reese's Peanut Butter cups are GF (Haven't eaten any in a while but good to know)
The list continued but these stood out as a good sign to me that my new alien planet has a few familiar friends.

I have been afraid of eating fruits and veggie for the last year because of bad reactions, most likely due to the wheat I ate with it. (Hoping)

I dared to eat some green beans and a plain chicken breast today. It was delicious and I am hoping my mangled guts can handle them, I need the protein and nutrients if I am ever going to get some energy back.

My mom took pity and did a little "free" shopping for me and got me some rice crackers. Thinking about Tuna Salad (All ingredients are "free")

All in all just trying to put together a grocery list and realizing its gonna be a lot of work.
Thanks to all my friends for the prayers and support. Now I just need enough energy to get the the store.

Gluten Free - day one

2010-10-09T12:27:00.005-04:00

I have struggled with my stomach and intestines miserably for 2 years. I had a horrible parasite exactly two years ago that did damaged to my intestines, it wasn't pretty. The doctors were never able to find any specific reason that I couldn't eat well or would go weeks where I couldn't be more than five feet from a bathroom. (I know it is disgusting, I lived it.)
I had the "Maybe you have Irritable Bowel" discussions a few too many times but with no actual relief. Tried a few prescription drugs that messed me up. One gave me hallucinations, my next door neighbor dogs turned into trolls and yelled at me all morning to "Get out of your house." I was a grown woman calling her mommy for help that day.
I finally got a little relief a few months ago. No apparent reason for it, just sometimes my guts are in agony and sometimes it improves enough to function, work and be normal.
Last week the scary guts came back and after a few days of agony after eating I go into protective mode where I stop eating altogether. I resort to a few bites of crackers or toast and drink gallons of peppermint tea and water. You can't function that way and I found even that did not keep the agony away, now you add intestinal cramping to starvation pain and weakness.
I am pitiful at this point.
After a lot of prayer and a run in by my mother with an acquaintance, she shared a story of her own family's struggle with Celiac Disease. There were some definite parallels and once my mother and I discussed the possibility and started reading the book the acquaintance gave us we can see how this could be a solution.
I decided to go for it. There is no cure for Celiac disease but if you live Gluten-free you can feel great and actually eating without pain.
* * *
I am almost 24 hours into my gluten-free adventure and my stomach is calmer.

1st day - mom made me a soy milk shake, I boiled some brown rice and added a little soy garden margarine & later ate a handful of gluten free corn flake cereal. All tasted good, I was glad.

Today I had some more cereal for breakfast and it's settling nicely. Hurray.

* * *
Spent a few hours reading LIVING WELL WITH CELIAC DISEASE by Crangle. It's very informative and helping with the questions I have.

The next step is to figure out how to eat without Gluten. A family member has a gluten-free daughter who will be a great resource. I have also bookmarked a few forums on glutenfree.com that may help.

I already found out that Pepsi and jello are gluten-free! Whoop! It's the little things. Honestly I have spent all morning trying to push the thoughts out of my head that are real and will affect me eventually.
If this trial gluten-free diet works and I feel better will I ever want to eat gluten again? Probably not. The pain is real and has worked hard at ruining my life.

If I never eat gluten again that means, no brownies, no pizza, no favorite burrito at the Mexican restaurant I love, but these are so little compared to the pain in my body just this week alone. I have battled depression and weight gain and my own sanity over my bodies inability to digest anything. If I finally have an answer why would I let the longing for a brownie ruin my chance at being whole again.

I remember what it felt like to have energy and spunk, I miss that desperately. My hope is all wrapped up in this.

Wishing and praying for relief.

Leah B.

Hmm... what's for lunch ???

Wondering about Leah?

2010-07-08T20:10:00.003-04:00

Started a new phase of my life doing something that I have loved since 3rd grade. Writing stories.
I have always been writing is some way or another between stories in school in every notebook I ever owned or songs in my music making days.

Adventure, romance, tragedy is just a few topics I would delve into. Keeping my stories in the realms of lifetime possibilities. Things I wish would happen or the what would happen if’s.

In college I had some goofy creative writing professor who hated my style and shared his prophecy with me that, “NO One will ever publish you because you write too straight forward and simple.” In that naïve 20 year brain I figured he was right and set aside my novel ideas and began songwriting.

A few heartaches later I was in need of a new start, something to rebuild Leah into a confident creative soul again. Fighting back depression with a big stick I got some inspiration from a self-publishing friend and found my desire to write reborn.

So now I am having a blast with a story I began years ago about the journey of a young woman, perhaps a bit wishful thinking about myself learning to face my dragons and get to my own authentic place.

So for those of you wondering if I just started writing out of the blue, I didn’t . It’s always been a passion of mine. I am just finally taking the time I have to put the stories down.
Learning the daily habits of novel writing has been a blast and I have great plans for the many ideas I have written down over the years. I hope my stories bless people and my characters feel like friends.

For the many friends and fans who are wondering when I will sing again please keep praying for me. I know I will get there, but for now just taking some time to build up my confidence again after a few bumps in the road. I am so thankful that my depression is getting better ever day, that God is giving me another chance to be creative and that I am finding my joy again.

Finding My Place

2010-04-08T13:33:00.006-04:00

Spring always feels to me like a new beginning. After spending a year plus in depression, the last two weeks have felt miraculous as I am up and out and panic free (mostly). The huge insurmountable struggles are smaller now and faced day by day as I rediscover my purpose and find my voice.

I have been singing a little every day these last weeks. So much of who I am and my past is made from music and performing and to go a year without it was bizarre and changed me a little. I feel a little dusty. My voice sounds the same but I feel different about it. I guess I always had this magic number in my head that was the end of my singing career because I figured no one would ever take me seriously after I turned thirty. That came and went and I discovered more about my gifts and having so much fun writing and recording on my own that I thought perhaps I was wrong. There is no age limit to talent… Well I am afraid that old lie has snuck back in with a few friends, like insecurity and procrastination.

So here I am with my studio back together and starting on a new simple road. A little insecure and fearful but ready to face the world. I truly don’t know what I would do if God wasn’t with me on this, probably crawl back into a pit again.

It feels good to be honest about where I have been. I know many people have struggles with depression and live to tell about it. Its real and even Christians can be depressed. I learned in recovery that sometimes tragedy happens again and again and some people handle it differently than others. I felt God with me every step of the way, especially in the darkest days early on. He never left my side.

I am on assignment, sing some love songs and begin singing at weddings. I have been doing it for friends and family for years but now it’s a new day. I am trusting in God to help me to know His network is bigger than mine. I am leaning on him and putting my feet on a path to where he sends me. Singing has never paid my house payment before but stranger things have happened. Ready, set, go!

I am also secretly hoping to sing and write again; praying some inspired Christian musicians come my way and want to collaborate. That is truly the most fun thing ever, trust me …creating something from nothing and the harmony it makes is brilliant and magnificent.

Back to recording, friends keep praying for me please.

Leah Banicki

Aspen Paintings by Contemporary Aspen Artist Jennifer Vranes, Birch Trees, Lavender Fields, Poppies, JensArt

2010-03-01T15:01:00.000-05:00

Aspen Paintings by Contemporary Aspen Artist Jennifer Vranes, Birch Trees, Lavender Fields, Poppies, JensArt

Broken Songbird

2009-12-31T03:57:00.003-05:00

When I was six years old I had a vision of my future. I didn’t understand it fully but I kept it close to my heart. It’s been my life’s dream to see that vision fulfilled.

I am a simple girl. Love, hope, compassion – these are the things I am made of. I always thought that when I sang it was more than just words coming out of me but a blessing or hope to someone who needed it. I had a secret wish that people felt loved when I sang for them. I think the dreamer in me still believes that.

The more people I come to know the more I have found that a dreaming heart draws many arrows. Why is that? What makes a dreamer such a threat? The stories we have heard from childhood are happy endings that do not prepare us for the real wolves of the world. The dragons with teeth and nasty words and ball bats hiding behind fake smiles… they are real and they hurt people. They hurt me…

Where is the Cinderella story that is more realistic? She gets locked in the tower for ten years and escapes only after the Prince has stopped looking for her and moved on. Her youth gone and no one knows that she exists. I never heard that version. Where does she go from there? Can she find hope after her dreams are shattered? Does she hang on to her dream or except the reality of the new world she’s in, no big rainbow weddings and fairies to bless her? Hope seems downright dangerous then doesn’t it? The realistic friend will be standing next to her whispering, “Be realistic, being a maidservant ain’t so bad.”

Being in a hard time myself I have had to ask for help. Begging family and friends to help us out of trouble. I was shocked to find so many people struggling to eat and pay basic bills. Smart, hard working people, who don’t deserve what has happened to them. I feel like the world around me is collapsing like a house of cards.

What does a broken songbird do to help anyone when she can’t seem to help herself?

I am torn between several actions at the moment.
a. crying ‘woe is me’ and crawling into a pit
b. wishing I had the strength to sing some love on people and believing it still worked
c. become a realist and be content to put my dream away forever
d. begging God for mercy on the hurting people of the world

I have already tried (a) without success but maybe I’ll probe further into the others and share my findings.

Desperately seeking harmony,

Leah Michelle Banicki

Romantic men

2009-06-23T17:51:00.006-04:00

Doing research for my book. It's summer and I have a nasty cold. To cheer myself up I decided to find a leading man for my romance novel. I am calling it "Oregon trail" for now, working title only. A young girl becomes widowed on the Oregon trail and finds inner strength and love in the frontier. (basic summary)

I browsed through hundreds of old photos to find inspiration for my male love interests. Found lots with icky beards... i like beards but these were long!

Here are some picks that had potential.

1.

2.

So what do you think? Kept my mind off of being sick. It would interesting to know what you think is handsome. Send pics...

leah banicki

Waking Up

2009-05-18T14:37:00.000-04:00

Waking up
Finding I am in a place I don't like.
Talking with God and realizing I had let people tell me I was unworthy.
Why do we believe people who barely know us?
Why do we sometimes let rejection sink in and camp out?

I realize now
Letting God clean out the cobwebs is the best kind of spring cleaning.
Forgiveness and forgetting really does the trick.
Those moments may seem like a "duh" to everyone else but they can be so profound.

Leah's new catch phrase-

When life hands you lemons just throw them away.
Don't drink it!

Verse that gives me goosebumps today.

Isaiah 60:1 (Amp)

Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you. Rise to a new life! Shine, be radiant with the Glory of the Lord for your light has come and the Glory of the Lord is upon you.

Perhaps my honesty and open-ness is the thing that some people don't get. But I have to be the person God made me: Compassionate, open, over talkative, goofy & flawed.

- Leah Banicki

Sorrow : Blank Spots

2009-01-13T23:01:00.002-05:00

Sorrow is something to avoid.

We all want to escape sadness in any way we can. It's hard to find large stretches of time these days without sewing them back together with tears and prayer. Then the blanks spots show up where you feel like normality struck and you plan an evening as a family... american idol sounds fun and how about... "Booboo and Jonny come over to watch" is lingering on my lips.

Mourning the loss of my daughter's soccer coach and my Dad's adventure girl, my bible study partner and my Mom's tigger.

It's all feeling a little too real.

Lord please help us.

~Leah

Leah's Prayer

2009-01-06T16:40:00.002-05:00

Prayer to my Abba: (Father God)

To me You Are...

My heart mender,
My dream maker,
The air I breath,
The music I sing,
The Peace in my confusion,
The author of my 2nd chances,
My reason to dance
The Wisdom when I need it,
The healer of my brokenness,
The Light in my dark places,
The forgiver of my flaws,
The mystery I ponder
The lover of my soul.

I will forever sing your praises.

~ Leah

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).

New Start - Broken hearted

2009-01-04T15:51:00.003-05:00

Facing the world ... with a broken body and broken heart. As my family is coming down from the adrenaline of a whirlwind Christmas funeral it's hard to know what to do with myself. With a sprained ankle and bruised/broken tailbone , I know I need to focus on recovery. I am tempted every hour or so to lose my patience with my body. To be so immobile when I am desperate for a distraction is really frustrating.

I take turns praying for people in my life that are hurting, my mom & dad, my brother-in-law, and my brother .

I don't know if God has ever been closer to me. He is breathing for me, I think. My only prayer for myself has been pretty simple. "Oh Jesus please help me!"

Life starts back up tomorrow, husband to work and kid to school. It seems so huge a task but yet so simple.
My first day back to work will be hard, even tho it will be nice to have something to focus on. My sister's Ichat picture will be shadowed. It' s the little things that devastate us sometimes.

Looking forward to finding a song that makes me smile. Looking forward to losing the crutches. Just looking forward....

Leah Ort Banicki

~ Thanks to everyone praying for my family. All the encouraging notes and meals have really helped us through.

Seasons

2008-02-20T11:11:00.005-05:00

Got laughter?

2007-07-24T13:52:00.000-04:00

Things that made me laugh today-

Someone dancing badly with an i-pod walking by my window downtown.

Making a conspiracy theory w/ a co-worker about a secretive business across the street. My thoughts... a meth lab.

Email I got from customer- "I will contact you soon." (leah wonders if that person understands that an email is a form of contact)

Quotes:

Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.
~ Cary Grant

Let's face, there's lots of spoiled kids out there...
because you can't spank Grandma.
~ Janet Anderson

Some drink from the fountain of knowledge - others just gargle.
~ unknown

I knew I was drunk. I felt sophisticated and couldn't pronounce it.
~ unknown

Nothing in fine print is ever good news.
~ Andy Rooney

A song- writing day

2007-06-26T14:35:00.000-04:00

Today was a good day off. Spent quiet time reflecting. I am at peace.
I've been tossing a few song ideas around my head for a few days but nothing has been sticking. I decided that I was going to let inspiration finds it way to me and not force it. So I spent awhile looking up friends on blogspot and felt like writing here a little, I don't do it near enough these days. I find though, that when I keep writing journals and blogs it keeps my mind alert and refreshed. That is where the best songs come from.

So talking to the world(or in this case the few people who read my blog) keep my song-writing skills alert.

A few funny things I've written in my song-writing idea book
all by yours truly...
Country tune - "I got a minus sign in my checkbook balance"

OK this one isn't funny but I was definitely venting-

A chorus for a venting song-

Gone are the days of teaching integrity
Take what you want, no one cares if you’re cheating
The dollar is king and sin is exalted
Morals are choked out, prayer is halted
Belief in good is weak, our rights are now frozen
Opinions aren’t free, someone else gets to choose them

I may still record this one, it has a melody but I don't have the right music for it yet.

This line is the start of a short story I wrote awhile back called desperation.

I had screwed up, messed up and fouled up my life. My mind was shaken and overtaken by negative thoughts . . . and I believed them!

Maybe I'll blog it , I don't know.

Well life beckons me back- maybe I shall go back to work.

Leah

Not intimidated! Anymore

2007-04-29T01:09:00.000-04:00

So this new song released intimidate is a good song for me right now. It's a great breaking off point for me- to eliminate the people pleaser in me that wants to make everyone happy.
I hope I am a person that is kind, merciful and loving ... as all people should be. (i'm not perfect but I try to always show compassion and consideration for others)
In the past tho.. I took matters to the extreme. I believed that success was only in one type of package and believe that maybe I didn't deserve respect because I was different or emotional or creative.
My self-worth was always measured by some-one else's yard stick. Not my own.
I am learning to let that go. Be my own story.. with all the twists and turns that any "good" story has.
I can only live one day at a time, today was good... thats good enough for me. I have a plan for tomorrow and enough wisdom to hold on to it loosely because you never know what a day may bring.

Leah's lesson for the day.
Don't let the haters intimidate you. Just be yourself and be stronger. The greatest thing I heard this week when I wanted to climb back in the pitiful place again when things got hard. "They think you aren't strong enough to make it!" - My tears stopped so quickly it shocked even me. It was so true- I was letting an opinion take me to the place by my choice. They chose to say it, I was choosing to live it.

This battle is a long one with many little battles to fight. Thank God I have a support system who love me enough to say "get over yourself" every once in a while.

Hope you enjoy the song, and it reminds you to stand firm against those who draw their swords. Nothing enfuriates an enemy more than standing your ground with a smile. Try it, watch them squirm. :-)
Keep your chin up.

Leah Banicki

A little miracle!

2007-04-27T13:17:00.000-04:00

Do you really know your theology?

Who was the 3rd man in history to walk on water?

The 1st one was Christ...

The 2nd one was the apostle, Peter...

Then there was this guy, Jose'...

Social Skills

2007-04-24T08:34:00.000-04:00

"I never remember a name, but I always forget a face!"
- Alex Sicilia

Smile

2007-04-14T20:38:00.000-04:00

The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits author unknown
I do not stand on protocol. if you just call me Excellency, it will be ok.
Henry Kissinger

Growing Pains- by me

2007-04-12T15:09:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been struggling with growing pains. How do you move into a new phase of life when all the ties to your current life are screaming for attention?

I'm so thankful for things to be finally changing. The end-of-the-tunnel light is not just a pin point in the distance and that's amazing!

I'm doing a lot of soul searching and praying about making the right decisions and not getting distracted by things that can hold me back.

Do you step into the unknown or let things stay safe?

I am in the place between.

Leah Banicki

Clapping Injury!

2007-03-19T10:07:00.000-04:00

My most ridiculous injury to date! While performing this weekend I injured my middle finger on my right hand. WHILE CLAPPING!!

In the middle of a song I got that trigger rush of adrenaline that you know is your body telling you something is wrong.. while smiling and singing i was doing the mental checklist .. ok I'm ok and then i realized i couldn't move my finger. Once the set was done I went backstage and there it was swollen like a sausage... Very pretty!!

For a few hours I couldn't bend it or straighten it.. Basically i looked like I was casually flipping everyone off, whoo-hoo.
After a few ice packs and a good night sleep the swelling went down and I have normal use of a very bruised and purple finger.

Clapping is a dangerous sport.
I live and die by applause. LOL

I love the Stage

2007-02-25T15:37:00.000-05:00

The stage-

by Leah Banicki

A simple platform, lights and a room full of seats,
Why is it so thrilling?
The lights are bright and leave the stars in your eyes
Front and backstage is usually dirty ...
The crowd not always the most responsive.. and yet
They are watching me... they care what I have to say-
what I am doing at that moment
The adrenaline of the performance starts before I got out-
and stays with me long after I finish
The crowds eyes follow me on stage, wherever I go they go with me
It's a drug... I'm pretty sure

and a privilege...

www.myspace.com/leahbanicki

What is a "WANNA BE"?

2007-02-23T14:56:00.001-05:00

This was a thought I had a few days ago and I've been pondering it for a little bit...
There is so much negative connotation for the
phrase "Wanna Be"
Sometime it can signify that a person is unable to get there but I was thinking about how many people were once "wanna be's" but after they pushed themselves they became it...
This isn't a song just an idea really- thought I'd share

Wanna Be
by Leah Banicki

I wanna be better than I was yesterday
I wanna be a better provider
I wanna be able to share what's in my heart
I wanna be a healthy woman
I wanna be a world traveler
I wanna be a good example
I wanna be able to say "Baby girl, it can be done"
I wanna be an inspiration
I wanna be a world changer

~~~~~~~~~~

What do you Wanna BE?

Tell me....

a peaceful morning

2007-02-16T15:39:00.000-05:00

Peace

~ a state of tranquillity or quiet

~ freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

~ to end hostilities between those who have been at war

Leah

Today Is ---- I've really stepped in it now- Day

2007-02-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

Today Is ---- I've really stepped in it now- Day

_______________________________________

It takes 3 things for a day to be called this
1. A very early morning
2. A blustery morning (-5 below kind of blustery)
3. A bare foot

I should have said it takes 4 things but I didn't want to disparage my poor puppy. (I wouldn't want to go outside in this weather either.)
The snow is over her head in many parts of the back yard. We have shoveled her a path but it is still very cold.

Needless to say, when an early morning combines with a guilty puppy, and a bleary-eyed woman in need of coffee climbing over a puppy gate... What else should ya expect.

No one should have to scrape that off your foot first thing in the morning. The rest of the day is matching the mood that was set, but what else is a latte for but to turn those days around.

***Currently sipping on an overpriced Latte. Leah signs off....

Random Poetry

2006-08-26T12:34:00.000-04:00

I believe in sleeping in - I believe in giving 100% when you only have 80 - I believe in love, arguing, and jamming out by yourself in the car - I believe in kisses on the forehead - I believe in long kisses, smiling till your cheeks hurt, and laughing until you cry - I believe in being silly and crazy with your friends - I believe in taking chances and making mistakes - I believe in having someone tell you that you're beautiful - I believe in swinging on swings and running in the rain - I believe in miracles and random acts of kindness - I believe in saying hello to anyone and everyone - I believe in second chances and I believe that everyone deserves one

~Author unknown~

Reasons I love Music - Part 1

2006-06-06T17:03:00.000-04:00

Part 1

Rhythm-
A syncopation, the timing, the swell and pull of a beat.

No matter fast or slow.The drama of percussion- it makes me move!

Melody-

The hook- that turn a song takes from being an okay song to the moment your heart gets tugged, briefly, and you have to listen closer.

It won you over!!

Harmony-

Unexpected, complicated

A dance between 2 or more instruments. The notes that glide together, then cross over, and when the moment is right, they soar.

I love the harmonies that speak their own language. Unison that values being unique.

The ultimate Ying & Yang.

Flowing together, a blend of ingredients to make something beautiful.

by:

Leah Banicki

www.leahbanicki.com

What a week

2006-06-01T11:20:00.000-04:00

Oasis at GCC (Granger Community church)

Last night was so much fun!
I sang with the Oasis band, Stephanie McConnell, and Dustin Cornelius. (I hope I didn't butcher the spelling!)
The middle school kids, as always, had tons of energy. Johny spoke a message on leaving a "Legacy". It was inspiring!! Johny is a great story teller!
It is such a strange thing to me for the kids to thank me for singing for them. They bring me so much as an audience I feel I need to thank them.
I see God in their worshipping faces. It really is awesome!
The Oasis band, Mike, Scotty and Jeff. You guys love these kids every week. You put in the time and effort to bring these kids a great experience all year. God Bless you all!
Steph and Dustin, thanks for joining us last night. Thanks for sharing your talents!! I hope to do it again with you!

Sincerely,
Leah Banicki

Spring

2006-04-04T13:27:00.000-04:00

Beautiful day! Blue, blue sky. The pine tree outside my window swaying to a lovely rhythm. Fresh air in my home. It is a crisp and delightful breeze.
Little violets popping up to say hello. My daughter on the swing.
God is good!

I think I'll write a song today.

Something relaxed and groovy!

Random Thanks

2006-03-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

Things I Thank God for...

Spring in the air
my puppy, Tink
My daughter singing when she thinks we can't hear
Capable hands

Energy
a new song
Divine favor (not earned, just accepted)
the kid inside my husband
Chocolate (in moderation, heehee)
Smoky Mountains in Tennessee
Peace (Shalom) --->Nothing missing nothing broken
The feeling inside when I feel like singing
Mercy
finding real friends unexpectedly
the Light @ the end of the tunnel
then...

The beautiful unknown

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jason miller

2006-03-21T10:41:00.000-05:00

An amazing read! 20-30 somethings
Find a purpose!
Just click it!
jason miller

A good Fight!!

2006-03-20T12:06:00.000-05:00

I was pondering how when things in life are changing for the better sometimes others things can go a little hay-wire. Attacks in my life right now are becoming a little common for my own comfort. The thoughts of fear and dread is not a place I want to go. Trusting God and having faith is a pretty cliche answer that I set on loop in my head but sometimes faith has to come from somewhere not just a statement. This verse popped into my head and I think for the 1st time I got it!!!

1 Tim 6:12 (amp)
Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned .

It is always going to be a fight!!!

I have to make a choice to ignore doubt and listen to the Holy Spirit. The mind is where the enemy attacks, he is a liar, he can only decieve us if we choose to listen. He plants thoughts apposing God's truth but I will no longer believe only what I can see.
I will strive to always decide to seek the Kingdom first and know it is more real than this carnal world I live in.
I will choose the voice of the Spirit and assume the position in the Kingdom that God needs me to fill. God is my source. My mind will learn to be at Peace or I will learn to ignore it.
I realize now that I have a fantasy that stepping out into the world for God is always going to be comfortable. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, why would I need a comforter when I am always comfortable. If I ask for the deeper things of God and long to go further in the Kingdom then shouldn't I be prepared for a fight. The bible talks about putting on the full armor of God. It doesn't sound like I'm preparing for a picnic.
I will stop imagining everything being perfect and easy and just step out, never alone but armed for battle with everything in balance and agreement with the Word of God.

I open my mouth and declare truth. Have you ever noticed that while talking the mind isn't as loud. Try counting to ten in your head while saying the days of the week.

~Things I am declaring over my life~
~God wins, always!!
~My mouth will only speak what edifies His Kingdom.
~I dig deeper everyday in the knowledge of his Kingdom.
~I can bless a person today.
~I am able to run the race that God has called for me
~The Favor of God is upon me
~I am in right standing, my rightiousness is in Christ

...Leah Sings on the web :-)

2006-03-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

Here is your chance to hear my newest song. "Beautiful Girl"

written by myself and Jeff Banicki (my wonderful, talented husband)

Go to www.leahbanicki.com and the link is right on the front page.

Please comment to me on it, I want as much feedback on it as possible.

God Bless you,

Leah Banicki

To be Blessed- A parable

2006-03-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

There once was a rich man, full of wisdom, who had a servant. The servant was faithful and good and the Master wanted to reward the servant for the many good years of service he had given his master. He wanted to surprise his servant with a gift. Without telling his servant why, he asked his household servant to go to the barn. (there was a gift waiting there for him from the master) The servant kept busy and forgot about the instructions after his busy day and went home. The next day it happened again.The Master watched as it continued to happen for many days. The master became worried for the gift was one that would bless his servant and his family but he had to accept it. The master the next day got very firm with the servant, that he wasn't to do anything else that day but go to the barn.
The servant was upset for a moment and felt the master was being unreasonable. His duties had never required to working in the barn and he resented having to go there. But he decided to obey his master, finally....
A few days later as he saw how the blessing was affecting his life and family he was humbled by his unwillingness to be obedient when his master only wanted to give him a gift. He went to the Master and humbly apologized again and heard the Master laugh and say that he was never angry he just didn't want him to miss out on the blessing.

By Leah Banicki

How often do we sabotage ourselves by not

following well meant intructions.

Blessings pass us by because we don't listen or pay attention.

I hope I've learned enough in my life to never let another

blessing pass me by.

Big thoughts

2006-03-08T16:57:00.000-05:00

"You don't need to be big to think great thoughts.

You need to think great thoughts to become big."

Myles Munroe (The principles and power of Vision)

Bad days to better

2006-02-27T13:58:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I heard a lot of good teaching about finding verses and using them to combat negative thoughts.
Though I know you may think I sound conceited to be saying these verses as a reflection of who I am, I want to clarify.
I know I am not a perfect person. But with God all the Bible has to offer is available for me. So I open my mouth and speak His word. It has changed a lot of bad days into better ones.
Here's a few verses I love!

I am rooted, established, strong, immovable and determined!
1st Peter 5:9

This is my consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life.
psalms 119:50

The spirit of the LORD is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring the Good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted to announce Liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind.
Isaiah 61:1

Be sure to leave a comment or some other verses you love too!

The waiting game!

2006-02-23T12:42:00.000-05:00

Thrown into the wind.
That's how I feel a little. My recording, pictures, biography and passion has been handed over for others to peruse and critique. I believe in myself so I'm not afraid of the criticism but more just feel restless.
What a strange period of time has passed. This last summer was so much different from now. I spent the whole summer praying for a purpose, a mission. I had felt for over a year to be on the verge of something. I was singing a lot, but I felt I wasn't stretching myself. I know God always wants us to be striving to do more for his Kingdom but I had no idea what to do.
I am a firm believer in the theory of movement. Keep moving toward God and He will direct your steps. But I didn't have a vision for anything but just the keep on keepin on.
I had started a workout regimen to rebuild my previously injured back. I will admit that was slow going. (My performing took a major hit during the healing process. If walking up stairs is nearly impossible than performing with gusto was equaling challenging.) I wanted to get back in shape and be all I could be for God and my family. Day by day, little victories were taking place in my body but also my mind.
After a Joyce Meyer women's conference I turned my focus to freedom. I was free to be me. Free to make good choices, free to explore what I wanted to be as a performing singer. I came back from the conference in October '05 and took my prayer to a new level. Just praying for the will of God for me, my family and my church. I starting cutting things out of my life that I felt distracted me from living to my full potential. I began to realize that I was using projects as a way to feel like I was doing something useful, even if the projects weren't something I was good at or even liked doing.
As I pruned my life a clarity began to emerge. Some people get a dream that changes their life. I got a vision!
Explaining a personal vision is nearly impossible but I know that I know it's what I am meant to do. It was the same vision I had as a child but didn't know what it meant. Before I was confused about my next step but now, suddenly I knew what steps to take and what goals I needed to accomplish.
Humbled and grateful to the LORD I stepped out the next day and began the process of reaching my Vision. With my husband (Jeff) and a few wonderful supportive people I have completed the first steps to reach my goal. I pray the favor of God goes with my demo package and I am excited to see the harvest. Lord bring the rain!
I want to sing to broken people. To show them they matter to God. Time will tell how God wants me to do that.
I know some people believe what I am doing is selfish, or ridiculous but I know what I am doing is right.
Yes, being validated by man for my singing would be nice but my reputation with God is far more important to me.
He is my source!!
My success at this moment is in my confidence in God, the vision He has given me, and my willingness to obey.

If my life never changes, it wasn't because I was afraid to face the heat. To deal with the scoffers is part of the bargain. The greatest stories we tell are always people facing the opposition and pushing through. I want my life to be a great story!
Money, fame, spotlights and big stages...
I don't know if that is exactly what God has in mind.
People seeing a different view than the world offers. Having the ability to bless many.
Yeah I could handle it, with my feet facing the right direction.

me ----->God's will for me

Who knows what I am fully capable of doing with God's help. I bet He does! Maybe I'll just trust Him and let the future do it's thing. :)

~~~~

God is bigger than... The limitations we give him.

Leah Banicki

Jumping out of the box.

Perseverance is not a long race: it is many short races, one after another.
Walter Elliot

A big to-do!

2006-02-20T12:41:00.000-05:00

"Everyone was born with a purpose. God designed us for a reason.
~ You were born to answer a question for today's generation" Myles Monroe

A busy weekend

-a blog site
-a new website http://www.leahbanicki.com

This week-
God is so amazing!!!! My demo goes out! I have a peaceful excitement in me. I'm open and ready for whatever God wills for me. I'm so proud of my demo and so thankful for how it has all come together.
(Mike, Scotty, Tom and Jeff.... You guys rock!)
This whole thing has taught me about patience, and endurance. Mostly though I think I have let other peoples opinions about me go. I know how hard I've worked. How many years I sacrificed and all the crazy challenges life has thrown me. I'm still standing, stronger than I've ever been, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
I know who I am and who my real friends are.
Whatever happens with my music...
God has got my back!

I'm just taking His instructions one step at a time.

Leah B.