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“Surviving Sue” Has Launched
How did I end up here? My mom’s life was remarkable in its complexity but nothing about that fact makes her story noteworthy, nor does it explain my compulsion to write about her life. Most families carry pain and unfinished business but the nuances and shades…the ways in which we navigate varies so dramatically. I’ve… Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Wishful Thinking
I wrote a post for Heart of the Matter on Sunday, wistfully mentioning how much I appreciate it when our grown daughter leans in, expressing her need for motherly wisdom, advice, connection. Waxing nostalgic, about her younger days when I was more of a featured player in her life, I referred to her as my… Continue reading
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You Be You
I have a former client whose chief dilemma was that he clamored to be extroverted, feeling frustrated that he never found a way to be at ease in social situations. Sure, there’s a lot more to the story but the point is that he couldn’t get comfortable with himself. In his mind, the more social,… Continue reading
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Stormy Weather
I had a long chat recently with a former colleague and it was a delightful opportunity to catch up. She was the sort of confidante who could lift up the entire universe with her good humor and work ethic. The kind of colleague that you clamor to be near… shiny, smart and driven…and unafraid to… Continue reading
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Looking Out…Looking In
Hey there! The remodeling fun continues at our house and this morning I sat in the only chair remaining in our kitchen nook after wrestling it toward the door to the deck. As you look at the view behind the comfy floral chair…you’ll see our kitchen has a fridge again – whoopee – but not… Continue reading
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I Wish I’d Said This!
Has this happened to you…often? I’ll run across some magic words…a phrase or sentence that I swear originated in my heart. Maybe my head. Sometimes my gut. But you get the idea. And when I find out the author is anonymous? How could that be? Mystified. See what I mean: All I can tell you… Continue reading
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Morning Giggles
I wrote a silly post a few months ago about what a klutz I am… lacking in coordination BIG TIME. Falling down choral risers in picturesque Avignon and careening into a colleague in a stairwell. I mean…I’m a menace. It’s bad enough if you’re clumsy and the phrase ‘you’re your own worst enemy’ describes you… Continue reading
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Mother’s Day Magic
When our DD – our darling daughter — was a tot my mom and sister came to live with us for a few weeks after my father died. Their intent? To explore relocation options to live closer to us. It was a raucous time on a lot of levels, and our DD enjoyed extended play… Continue reading
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The Pouring Out
Some days I don’t think I offer much at all to others. I’m not pandering for compliments; I’m just musing over the ’empty vessels’ that we can all become. I mean…it’s my job to be a listener, advisor, coach, and source of support. On a good day, I might provide a bit of inspiration, but… Continue reading
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Work in Progress? Me!
I’ve been catching up with a few former work colleagues – the ones who remain forever friends despite the changes in jobs, locations, industries. It’s true that some people pass through our lives and move on, and we glean what we’re supposed to in the process. Lessons learned, sometimes painfully sometimes joyously and that’s that. One… Continue reading
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“Surviving Sue”: The Synopsis
My mom, Sue, had fond memories of fishing with her dad – so much so that I knew I wanted to select one of two photos of her fishing for the cover of “Surviving Sue”. I finally chose the pic (see below) for the cover because her smirk and ‘over the shoulder’ grin look joyous… Continue reading
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Tool Time Respect 😎
We’ve got a lot going on around the house – still. Our kitchen remodel continues and we’ve added extra whirling parts and pieces by deciding to refinish floors at the same time. As a concept…it made sense. Today I’m doing my work from the hubster’s home office space and I feel like a fish out… Continue reading
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Holding the Universe Together
Can you think of the most cherished compliment you’ve ever received? Mine was from a cousin who studied literature and was knowledgeable and wise and had a way of delivering confidence when I needed it the most. Knowing that he saw much of the madness during my growing up years and was willing to lean… Continue reading
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Love Letters & Date Night
My sweet developmentally disabled sister, Lisa, calls every night — like clockwork — at 6pm. When she’s a little off schedule or if we’re out, I’ve tried to remind her she can call on my cell phone but managing technology is a struggle for her. For reasons that I don’t fully understand, she believes… Continue reading
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Maybe He’s On His Way
I know a dear one who’s struggling with an eating disorder. It’s still not the sort of thing that men openly talk about but that doesn’t mean the challenges of disordered eating, food addictions, are unique to one gender. My dear one? He’s invited to a weekend of debauchery, Las Vegas style, for a bachelor… Continue reading
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Mr. Tinker/Thinker
I’m married to a man who likes to mull. He comes from a long line of thinkers and one of his father’s cherished possessions was this stained-glass gift, “Ho, Hum Tinker” (pictured above) from his work buddies. My father-in-law, Joe, was a well-regarded problem solver, working for a natural gas company and he had a… Continue reading
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Heart Songs Within
Every day I DO want to change the world. My ‘to do’ list often starts with what everyone else should be doing because I sometimes fancy myself brighter and better able to see opportunities for improvement in others. I’ve learned…such a fool’s gambit. Instead, lead by example. Do…what’s right…demonstrate that which matters most in actions,… Continue reading
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It Was Always You
I was a lucky girl…working in higher education for many years as a faculty member, counselor and as an administrator. No matter which role I was in, providing support gave me purpose. Gave me joy. Teaching is difficult, not just in the moment, but because it’s impossible to know how each student’s life story unfolds. … Continue reading
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My View
I love writing about aesthetic inspiration but the motivation to do so typically draws from my creative side, not necessity. I love the leisurely aspects of mulling over home décor and design and the ability to play with color and texture, all while mixing in elements of family history. Lately…as a result of on-going remodeling… Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Silly S’Mores Style
I’m trying to eat healthier…for a whole host of reasons. I’m a grown up and know that a steady diet of my ‘comfort foods’ (which, despite my attempt at healthfulness, everything I love to eat…truly love… is a carb when I’m honest). Mixed nuts? Left alone – those are great options but to my tastebuds,… Continue reading
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Rippling Wonder
A few months ago, I wrote about a favorite professor and his unique brand of creativity and one of the resources I shared at the time is worthy of a second mention. It’s a short piece about the ‘science of creativity’ and I return to it often – sharing with clients and family members as… Continue reading
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I’m With Muir…
In yesterday’s post I mentioned that a pair of mourning doves ‘sauntered’ along our deck railing. Not long after she read it, a dear friend reached out to torment me 😉 with a text barrage about the origin of the word ‘saunter’. I love a good etymology rabbit hole, but I was unprepared for the… Continue reading
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To Live Content…
William Ellery Channing’s beautiful wisdom in his poem “My Symphony” spoke to me this morning. Well, not literally. Poetry doesn’t speak…it was more of a resonating moment. 😊 At 4:30 am, with all the windows open, the earliest of early birds began their morning revelry. I’m terrible at identifying birdsongs but I suspect I heard wrens,… Continue reading
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Rocking Chair Allure
Thank goodness my dad was handy enough and wise enough to know that this petite rocking chair was a treasure, not trash. It looks pretty fab in its current condition but that’s only because dad rescued ‘her’. Just after he retired, he and mom began a ruthless purge of the attic space above their garage… Continue reading
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Different is Good
One of the more difficult jobs I had, once upon a time, was that of career counselor at an unemployment office. I loved my colleagues; they were good-hearted people who made every workday fun, but the clientele was challenging. It’s true that providing encouragement to those who are out of work can be draining but… Continue reading
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Gratitude & Goodness
I love this prayer, courtesy of Emerson. Holidays, especially Easter, bring memories of my dad forward in distinct detail. I cannot believe he’s been gone for nearly twenty-six years because I feel his presence every day. He taught me lessons in gratitude that are daily refrains in my life. Despite experiencing unfathomable losses and tragedies,… Continue reading
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Picasso Knew
Where do creative sparks come from? I’d say they come from everywhere and everything, if we’re as aware as we can be, given the daily, relentless distractions. I need moments of pause to connect head and heart but slowing down to do so is often the first thing I’ll toss overboard and disregard when life… Continue reading
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“Beat the Clock”
I bet there are only a handful of us who recall the oddball game show from the 70’s here in the U.S. called “Beat the Clock”. Anyone, anyone? For the uninitiated, YouTube provides an endless array of classic episodes (from the 50’s – which surprised me – through the 70’s). I enjoyed watching with my… Continue reading
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Borrowing from Buddha
My dad was a believer in the idea that friends pass through our lives for ‘seasons and reasons’. He was a realist about the fact that some friendships are destined to be situational, not everlasting. He’d say “people roll in and out and you need to let the door swing both ways”, to benefit each… Continue reading
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I Smile Therefore I Am…
Maybe it’s a sweet text message or a snippet in your newsfeed…maybe it’s a nugget of insight from a blogging friend but may I ask a question of you? Do you smile when you read? Do other emotions show on your face – maybe a grimace or a frown from time to time? I lean… Continue reading
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It’s Never Too Late for Courage
This week a friend asked if I’d talk to her brother who’s struggling with a workplace dilemma. She told me a little about his situation and my first reaction was that it sounded as if he’s dealing with anticipatory grief, unrelated to death, but a loss just the same. This sweet man, fifteen years into… Continue reading
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Tinker Toys & Giggles
I wonder, did I make a huge mistake when I was a youngster? We moved frequently and often I could’ve been the recipient of a treasure-trove of Barbie dolls or Matchbox cars – cast offs from kindly neighbors whose older children had grown out of kiddie toys. I never said yes to the offers. I… Continue reading
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If It’s 6pm it Must Be Lisa
Lisa says hello! Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Emily Dickinson Style
If you see me wandering… Continue reading
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Realizing Potential
I wondered…did he WANT to be fired? Continue reading
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Love, Loss & 9 Percent
We have a blessed 9% in common… Continue reading
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For the Love of Lily
Keeping loved ones close…it means so much. Continue reading
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Friendship…is Everything
Sometimes our friends now us best… Continue reading
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I Didn’t Mean to Start a Hair War
The day Vicki ruined lovely Laurie’s hair… Continue reading
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Power of Intuition
Reckless honesty…I’m not much of a concrete thinker… Continue reading
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Don’t Call Him a Lazy-Boy
He was only checking for “light leaks”… Continue reading
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Crying in the Car
Happy Birthday, Karen Carpenter ❤ Continue reading
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Making the Effort…With Love
Five things…care & keeping of others… Continue reading
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Fearlessly in Love
Lovey, dovey hooey? Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Colonoscopy Edition
I was not trying to be funny…but I guess that made it funnier? Continue reading
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In the Old Days…I Would’ve Asked My Dad…
A bit of a tech ramble…some pondering thoughts… Continue reading
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Blogging Buds: Writing About Fathers
Keeping the loved ones close…in our memories. Continue reading
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Singing in the Lifeboats
Voltaire & Sweet Dreams 😊 Continue reading
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Vicki Needed to Vent 😊
I feel so much better now… Continue reading
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The Sweetest Thing
Laughter, love and sweet memories! 💓 Continue reading
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Pieces of Me
Self-understanding…one piece at a time… Continue reading
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Call Off the Search Party
I wasn’t lost…I just tweaked and pivoted! 😊 Continue reading
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Loving Meghan
A plea for the brokenhearted today. ❤ Continue reading
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Books That Inspire…Instill Hope
Dads…Daughters…Love Continue reading
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Sadie Hugs for You
Puppy love! 😘 Continue reading
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It’s In the Cards
When a vintage poem brings a smile. 😊 Continue reading
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Heart, Mind & Soul
A tale of an ancient Anglo Saxon word…and a tattoo…from the heart. Continue reading
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Finding the Funny Bones
Put on your dancing shoes…find those funny bones! Continue reading
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Extending Ourselves
Leading with love… Continue reading
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Enough
Enough…is a good place to land. Continue reading
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A Few Beads Short
Giggle fits at 3am? I couldn’t help myself… Continue reading
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See the Good
Gardeners…who make our souls blossom… Continue reading
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Every Picture Tells a Story
Hey mom…life is pretty good… Continue reading
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Big News…
Ever in search of…what matters most! Continue reading
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Talk Nonsense, You Say?
Maybe I’m bordering on brilliant…it could happen… Continue reading
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Happy Birthday, Mom
Remembering the sunny days… Continue reading
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Comfort…In My Hands
I know it just looks like a sweater, but it’s so much more… Continue reading
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Holiday Hugs
Stay connected to those we care about…especially right now. Continue reading
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Loving Lessons from My Papa
Silly and smart…he called me “Agnes Gooch”… Continue reading
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Three Pines? Who Knew!
We had no idea of the significance…symbols of sanctuary? Love! Continue reading
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My Kind of Swirl
Brew a pot and join me! Continue reading
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Cheers to the New Year!
My optimistic heart is full…ready for 2023… Continue reading
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The Delightful Day
From me to you…sharing my favorite morning meditation for extra swirly days. Continue reading
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Bubblegum & Sister Love
I’d take the blame for Lisa all over again… Continue reading
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Beware the Saboteurs!
Knowing how to receive…and pause before responding… Continue reading
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Happy Is…as Happy Does
Look at that swagger…just look! Continue reading
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You Win…My Admiration AND a Cupcake!
Yes, YOU! Keep creating…don’t stop! Continue reading
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Vicki in Wonderland
Get in there girl, you’ve got stories to tell! Continue reading
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Plate Spinning
Well…shut my mouth! When will I learn? Continue reading
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SAYING it Doesn’t Make it So…
I love my sister…but she keeps me on my toes! Continue reading
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Granny Squares & Love
Who knew these pieces could travel in time and serve up love, love, love? Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Merry, Hoppy Xmas
Don’t judge…just laugh along. Please? Continue reading
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Not Here…But Near
Two of my all-time favorite cuties… Continue reading
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Forget with Generosity
It’s easier to let you go when I realize you never mattered in the first place… Continue reading
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It Was Never About the Mashed Potatoes
A new Dottie came to play… Continue reading
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Steady As She Goes…
I hate winter…but I’m trying not to whine… Continue reading
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Save Some For Me!
Happy, sad…intrigued? Only the tail knows for sure… Continue reading
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Loving Lisa – Elvis Style
Little-known facts…courtesy of sweet sister Lisa. Continue reading
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Swoopy Wave of Fun
Apologies to Elton John… Continue reading
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