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Loving Lisa – Easter Edition
Heads up! This glimpse into “Loving Lisa” – my sweet, developmentally disabled sister – was originally published two years ago. It’s still one of my favorites about Lisa…you’ll see why. I love, love, love my sister. In addition to her intellectual challenges, Lisa has a few physical disabilities, too, but they don’t slow her down… Continue reading
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Praise for “This is How We Eat”
Food is love, love is food. -Héctor Elizondo I had no idea my mom, Sue, often quoted the charming actor, Héctor Elizondo, but she did. Without attribution. His simple proclamation, “Food is love, love is food” was a persistent mantra in my mama’s life. A sentiment she offered on the regular — used to justify… Continue reading
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Music to the Rescue!
Have you heard about crying in the car tunes? I dunno if the trend became popular because of the hit Maren Morris song, “Cry in the Car” or if it’s a reflection of the challenging times we’re in, but the topic – stolen moments to collect oneself – surfaced in conversations recently with younger women.… Continue reading
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Inspiration Glimmers
Several years ago, my dear friend Wynne Leon gave me a book of inspiring quotes – wisdom from brilliant women around the globe. I’ve found myself returning to its dog-eared pages recently. Finding comfort in the female voices – fearless leaders and sages. Here are three favorites: I am thankful that I was taught how… Continue reading
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Leave Things Better
It was such a treat this week to read my dear friend Nancy’s blog. Her gorgeous photos of nature, home and hearth never fail to delight – especially when a boost of loving kindness is needed. It’s been a heavy week – one where I’ve sometimes felt incapable of articulating the helplessness I feel about… Continue reading
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In the Clouds
It’s been twenty-eight years since my dad, Sonny, died but he’s present in all the ways he can be – in my head and heart. We had a thing for clouds, the two of us… Two days after my dad’s death, hubby Paul and I were tasked with retrieving golf clubs and personal items from… Continue reading
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Power of the Pen
“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.” -Muhammad Ali Jinnah Something simple and extraordinary happened a few weeks ago. In our household we… Continue reading
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Inner Steadiness
My dear friend Linda Kolbusz sent me a message the other day – a LinkedIn post written by one of her former colleagues, Jodie Charlop. You can click here to read the whole essay if you like…Jodie’s thoughts about the new year. I know there are plenty of pundits and writers espousing thoughtfulness when January… Continue reading
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Hello, Henry
“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” -Thich Nhat Hanh One of my favorite things about the week in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is finding pockets of quiet. During one of those interludes – after I’d cleaned up the kitchen for the ten thousandth time – I stopped and made a cup of tea and… Continue reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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“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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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“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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
“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.
Workshops
Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor
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