April 2023
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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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Victoria Ponders 