-
How “Surviving Sue” Inspired a Novel
I know. I’m still kinda shocked about it, but if not for feedback and input from readers of “Surviving Sue”, I’m not sure I would’ve been inspired to write a novel. In large part, I have the delightful Wynne Leon to thank. My dear friend is wildly talented and I dare say…fearless. She inspires me Continue reading
-
Everyone Has Something to Give ❤️
Time, energy, money, positivity… I believe everyone has the capacity to make a difference and the originators of “Giving Tuesday“, a tradition started in 2012, say it best: “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we Continue reading
-
Thanksgiving Humor 😊
Of all the things I wrote on WordPress in 2023, a post about mashed potatoes still gets a lot of attention. I suspect it has little to do with the holiday itself – or the spuds in question. I think the readership has more to do with the message. Even in the pressure cooker of Continue reading
-
Embrace the Detour
I love a fabulously well-timed quote. Inspiration arriving in my in-box as I’m editing and working my way to the finish line with my novel. Have you heard this one? “The backstory isn’t a detour – it’s the past pressing in.” -Joyvity Joyvity is a site offering writing tips, one I’d never heard of but Continue reading
-
Morning Message
I’m not a poet but I love to dabble, especially when stream-of-consciousness poetry arrives. Almost in an auto-write format. I’ll explain… It doesn’t happen often, but words and phrases…sometimes whole stanzas of poetry command my attention if my dad populated my subconscious overnight. I wish I could summon these bon-mot-moments on demand. Alas, I must Continue reading
-
“Pieces of Me”
My dear friend, poet Maggie Watson is a treasure. One of the most unexpected joys in blogging comes from meeting dear ones all around the world. Talented Maggie delights me with good wishes and waves “across the pond” from Scotland and taught me about a treat I’d never heard of – jelly tots. But the Continue reading
-
Stole My Heart 💝
Lauren Scott’s beautiful new book, “King Copper – Our Dog’s Life in Poetry” stole my heart. Sadly, one of the common denominators in life is loss. When those I care about – friends, family, clients, former students – reach out and share their grief about losing a pet, there’s often a sense of shame about Continue reading
-
Peace, Love & Bunnies
Last August I shared a post, “Books, Bunnies and Forgiveness” and included a few snaps of a baby bun-bun. A welcome visitor on our deck. I can’t say for sure, but I think the little dude (or dudette) is now a teenager and decided to visit again. Same spot. Same ambition. Figuring out where the Continue reading
-
Celebrating Lisa
I’m proud of my sister, Lisa. She lives every day to help others, despite her own challenges. Life with our mom, Sue, was often difficult but remembering her legacy of service matters and I can see Sue’s positive traits in Lisa. A lovely example? Lisa was recognized this week at an event celebrating the volunteers Continue reading
-
Hello New Friends
We were delighted and relieved to see this adorable twosome last week. When we moved here, our neighbors told us the tiny glen in our backyard’s been a safe haven for generations of deer but every spring I find myself lurking and looking – anxiously awaiting the arrival of nature’s newest. I know the deer Continue reading
-
Change Your Mind
Where did the time go? The band, Sister Hazel released “Change Your Mind” twenty-five years ago this month?!? When I looked it up, I was in disbelief. So, I checked and checked again, feeling windburn from the emotional rush. I bet you – or someone you hold dear – got a lift, a motivational boost Continue reading
-
Little Moments…Big Smiles
Husband Paul and I have been together a long time…into our fourth decade. He likes to keep a low profile and although I mention him from time to time here in blogging-land, he’s not one for limelight or recognition. He’s a man of quiet talents. My Mr. Fix-it who detours into his thoughts – solving Continue reading
-
“Meadowlark Songs” by Joy Neal Kidney
I can’t think of a more heartwarming book to recommend than Joy Neal Kidney’s latest masterpiece, “Meadowlark Songs” (Available from Amazon.com in paperback, hardback, and ebook.) If you’re like me – grateful to find books that instill and bolster your faith – “Meadowlark Songs” is for you. I promise. Reading about Joy’s family and their roots in Continue reading
-
Maxine’s Desk
My mother-in-law, Maxine, was the most gracious woman I’ve ever met. No contest. I suspect Mother’s Day planted her in my heart and she’s been hanging out with me this past week, bringing sweet memories forward everywhere I look. I’ve written about her up-bringing – the beautiful home she was raised in and the notoriety Continue reading
-
Jelly Stains
“What lasts in the reader’s mind is not the phrase but the effect the phrase created: laughter, tears, pain, joy. If the phrase is not affecting the reader, what’s it doing there? Make it do its job or cut it without mercy or remorse.” – Issac Asimov Impact. I believe the Universe nudged me last Continue reading
-
Fresh Peeps & Pink Parasols
It’s finally Spring-like around here! I can’t resist sharing my all-time favorite post about my dad, our daughter Delaney, and Easter peeps. With a little Mary Poppins thrown in for good measure. This piece was originally posted on the Heart of the Matter in 2023. Enjoy…whether you celebrate Easter or celebrate love…or both. I’m sending Continue reading
-
Call Me Felix
When my friend, Michael Ross of The Real Reality Show Blog lobbed questions back to me after I nominated him for the “Sunshine Blogger Award”, I really needed to use my noodle. Not only did Michael put a smile on my face with answers to MY questions, but he turned the tables – straight away Continue reading
-
Signs of Heart
The Faces of Deer by Mary Oliver When for too long I don’t go deep enoughinto the woods to see them, they begin toenter my dreams. Yes, there they are, in thepinewoods of my inner life. I want to live a lifefull of modesty and praise. Each hoof of eachanimal makes the sign of a Continue reading
-
Your Astonishing Light
I couldn’t resist reposting a story (“Lean Into the Light“) from December 2023. It’s about a former student, *Jeanine*, and moments that matter. Jeanine reached out last week just to say hello and re-connecting with her was a delight. Sometime soon I’ll take the time to share more about her on-going accomplishments as a single Continue reading
-
Thank You Elliott
“To me, photography is about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”-Elliott Erwitt I took a photo the other day. I was held captive (joking!) while Paul toured a reclaimed wood store. I Continue reading
-
The Poke-Around Method
My poke-around method isn’t the same thing as ‘trial and error’. Let’s be clear. There’s no method to my madness. No tracking of enthusiastic rounds of ‘trying’ and resulting failures. Not even the micro steps that moved a fix-it campaign forward by an inch or two. My challenges aren’t limited to technology (just ask the Continue reading
-
Think Small
The other day my dear blogging buddy, Ally Bean commented on my Heart of the Matter blog post, “Apples and Authenticity” – a story about a dear colleague from many years ago who had a knack for prioritizing well, making good work/life balance decisions. Ally’s observation reminded me of a quote I’d long forgotten…yet the Continue reading
-
When You Crack Yourself Up: Just Say Thank You
I did it again. That thing I do when someone is kind and unexpectedly compliments me. It doesn’t matter if it’s about something innocuous or deeply personal, if I’m caught off guard I might babble. A lot. I wonder if the dear lady who simply wanted to express her admiration for my skirt understood. I Continue reading
-
Stairs, Smiles and Gratitude
We love our house and I’m grateful for it. Over many years we’ve tended to renovations of all sorts – some of which I’ve shared here. As we’ve approached the finish line with projects (she said hopefully) we’ve finally meandered toward the front door. Literally – to the entry way and stairs. The same tired Continue reading
-
A Story Told in Four Vignettes
Life with my mom, Sue, was complicated from the get-go. Especially when I began to ask questions as a toddler about my disabled sister, Lisa and her differences. I was a child trying to understand but I was shut down, left and right. I wrote about the first altercation with Sue, related to Lisa in Continue reading
-
Sharing Our Stories – “Surviving Sue” – New Review
I’ve yet to meet a memoirist who didn’t have a moment or two of panic about exposure. Baring ourselves, our stories and hoping for understanding. Hoping that the notes of resilience and empowerment shine through. I had those anxieties when I wrote “Surviving Sue“. They’d come in waves and torrents, but I carried on…ever hopeful Continue reading
-
Empathy. Do It. ❤
“One doesn’t have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient.”-Charles M. Blow Have you heard? Author and journalist Charles Blow is leaving the New York Times as he steps into a fellowship at Harvard. Even if you haven’t followed him at the Times, you might Continue reading
-
When You Crack Yourself Up: Hello, Herbie?
Someone told me once that we really write for ourselves. Maybe so. But what I know for sure? I’ll admit that I enjoy my periodic posts titled, “When You Crack Yourself Up“. Depending upon my mood, degree of sleep deprivation or frustration with the world, it’s anyone’s guess what might strike my fancy and send Continue reading
-
Music Matters
Anthony Neilson is a Scottish writer and actor, and I love a quote attributed to him about the power of music, especially for storytellers: Listen to music to find a way into the story you’re telling. Music is incredibly evocative: find the right piece that reflects the world you’re writing about, and you’re halfway there. Continue reading
-
Finding Joy…In Friendship
Have you heard about Dave Williams’ inspirational project? I should say his latest inspirational project, “Joy Is…”? Dave is a multi-hyphenate writer, author, artist, designer and content creator extraordinaire. The best descriptor I’ve come up with – to describe Dave’s artistry across genres and mediums – is this: Dave’s work enchants. The “Joy Is…” project Continue reading
-
Don’t Look Away
I write often about my dad and one post in particular from over two years ago is still a conversation starter with readers – White Shirt, Helping Heart – Victoria Ponders. I think the resonance of that piece comes from the fact that my dad looked like a contradiction; an imposing looking privileged man – Continue reading
-
When You Crack Yourself Up: Is it a Guy Thing?
I don’t mean to focus exclusively on the guys with this question…but it’s still a question. My sample size is very small. Just the hubster Paul, to be exact. I’m lucky enough to be hitched to a human who can fix just about anything. I think it’s his engineering and innovating heart. No cape required. Continue reading
-
Authenticity is Everything
Three simple words of advice. Straightforward and mantra-like across many decades, thanks to my dear friend and mentor, Dr. John Muchmore: “Authenticity is everything…” Today I ‘m resharing a post I wrote about John in November 2023 – in tribute (see below). The lifeforce that was John Muchmore passed away last week. He was beloved Continue reading
-
Feeling Fortunate
No, this post isn’t a substitute for a thank you note to a few fantastic gift-givers in my life. It’s just an extra, extra shoutout of gratitude. I don’t know how I got so very lucky, but I have dear ones around me who seem to crawl in and know exactly what makes me smile. Continue reading
-
Quiet Confidence
I had a strange moment the other day. It happened while I brushed my teeth…but I promise this isn’t a disclosure about personal hygiene or bathroom humor. I should clarify. Disclosure, yes. But I’m not telling on myself. It’s a story with a resonate undertone about the power of quiet confidence – a desirable quality. Continue reading
-
Lisa’s Patch Jacket
This is my first post back in the WordPress saddle for 2025 and I want to share how grateful I am for the opportunity to step away, work on some other projects and spend loads of time with family and friends. I know I missed many of your posts and for that, I’m sorry. I Continue reading
-
Santa Sue
(I shared a portion of this post a couple of years ago and couldn’t resist a ‘take two’ moment today…a smile about my complicated mother and her love of Christmas.) My mom, Sue, was a party girl at heart and Christmas was her favorite holiday. Even when money was tight, she’d find ways to rally people Continue reading
-
Her Cookie Jar Was Never Empty
A dear friend lost her mom last week and I’m heartbroken for her, as you might imagine. After a long illness, her mother’s passing wasn’t entirely unexpected, but I’ve learned. It doesn’t matter. Loss is loss. As I read her mother’s obituary, I smiled. An endearing goodbye invites friends and family to grieve while commemorating Continue reading
-
Trusting Ourselves
Do you know this quote? It’s one of my favorites but thanks to my friend, Dr. Gerald Stein, I’ve learned the attribution to Nietzche might be suspect. Given that neither of us can find the book or source material to verify the attribution, this quote might be an anonymous gem. No matter — Nietzche or Continue reading
-
Extra Scoop of Grace
I’ve taken my own advice over the past day or so, limiting my overall media consumption from a self-care standpoint. My professional life has taken the forefront as I’ve offered care and resources to colleagues, clients, former students, friends and family members regarding the outcome of the Presidential election here in the U.S. If I Continue reading
-
Squirrels Gone Wild
Simple things delight me. Especially in the morning. Alone with my cup of tea, the BEST entertainment EVER came scampering in yesterday…a couple of squirrely bruisers stopping by for breakfast. I know some folks are irked by the squirrels who eat their way through the pumpkins this time of year, but we love them. Their Continue reading
-
Me & Mariah
I would never have guessed that I had something…anything in common with Mariah Carey. Talented songstress and chanteuse. Not my jam, but who can deny the upbeat, seasonal appeal of “All I Want for Christmas”? A holiday anthem – a toe-tapper according to my dad. But last week I discovered that I do, indeed, have Continue reading
-
Dreamy With a Purpose
The quiet in the morning speaks of promise and possibilities. I know it sounds trite, but fresh starts put pep in my step. Daybreak has the power to upgrade my perspective. Pointed wisdom from Rumi popped into my awareness yesterday as well-timed encouragement: The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back Continue reading
-
When You Crack Yourself Up: Hubba Hubba Style
My sweet sister Lisa, despite her many disabilities is a walking, talking encyclopedia-like source of pop culture trivia. Especially if the vibe and music…and beefcake…appeal to her. (Sorry for the sexism…but come along anyhow. For Lisa’s sake. I promise there’s a smile coming thanks to a recent phone call.) In the mid-eighties, Lisa and our Continue reading
-
Hello and Goodbye?
This photo – snipped in above of a dear deer peeking at me is not my own, but a darn good substitute given that it’s just a stock photo from Google images. Normally I take my own pics, but I had a good reason for restraint. I’ll explain… I’ve written about the deer that frequent Continue reading
-
~Late and Lost~
I woke up, disoriented to the max. Foggy and exhausted, as if I’d been running a marathon. In a slumber state. Turns out, I had been. Running, that is. But the image of blue eyeliner pulsing through my brain? This is it, I thought. I’ve lost my marbles. All of them, thanks to this nonsensical Continue reading
“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.
Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“
Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.
Podcasts
Listen to the “Sharing the Heart of the Matter” podcast.
You can find our podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and Pocket Casts. Please subscribe!
Workshops
Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers
About Me
Learn about five books that inspired and supported my writing journey by visiting my personalized book review page on Shepherd.
BLOG ARCHIVES
- December 2025
- November 2025
- October 2025
- September 2025
- August 2025
- July 2025
- June 2025
- May 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
Recent Posts
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!
Victoria Ponders 