September 2023

September 28, 2023

Breathe the Air

The influence of the earth and the cadence of the seasons….on my mind today. As much as I’ve maligned the morning darkness over these past few weeks, I’m taking comfort in the normalcy of a pulling in, coming inside, after a long summer of sunshine and nature’s delights. What is it about the approach of Continue reading

writing

blogging, gratitude, lifestyle, love, purpose, relationships, Wellness, writing
September 25, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Hide & Seek

My mom, Sue, was a tortured artist. Throughout her life she tried to soothe herself and fill the empty spaces within by leaning into her creative side, especially painting. I included a few references to her artwork in “Surviving Sue” and wrote about her apology art a few months ago. Exploring her feelings with paint Continue reading

Surviving Sue

artists, author, love, mental health, pain, resilience, Wellness, writer
September 24, 2023

You’re No Keanu!

If you’d ever asked me if I might write a blog post based on a purported quote from Keanu Reeves, I would’ve laughed at you. I mean…no disrespect…but it wasn’t until I rummaged around in my quote pile (mess, hoard, chaos, clutter, jumble – you pick the word you like – any/all apply) and found Continue reading

Wellness

confidence, lifestyle, love, relationships, respect, Wellness
September 22, 2023

A Loss of Two-Thirds

I wrote a post a few months ago about my affection for John Muir and I’m learning that when I’m disconcerted about something, even this less-than-outdoorsy girl needs to get her feet on the ground, in nature, to work out heartaches. Yesterday I returned to a favorite garden – this time to visit the Continue reading

Family

Family, grief, loss, love, mothers and daughters
September 19, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Six-Word Style

I’ve continued to compile a list of FAQs from readers of “Surviving Sue”, my memoir about my mom’s complicated life and one of the recurring queries is about building resilience. Despite my background as a counselor/therapist, I’m cautious about highlighting any one specific technique or habit that helped guide my healing journey because the process Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, Family, love, memoir, new book, resilience, Wellness, writer
September 17, 2023

But Does it Make Coffee?

In another life, I suspect the hubster Paul was a meteorologist. Or a carpenter. Or a combo of the two. Proof? Our modest little indoor/outdoor thermometer bit the dust last week which meant Paul needed to go sleuthing for a suitable replacement. I think it’s one of his seasonal shifts, becoming more aware of the Continue reading

Family

humor, lifestyle, love, married life, nature, relationships, seasons, weather, wildlife
September 14, 2023

Little Me

Inspired by Maryanne and her beautiful blog, I learned this morning that it’s National School Picture Day. Was it designated as such because ‘throwback Thursday‘ is still a thing? I’m not sure…BUT…I loved Maryanne’s post and the sweet school picture she included. It didn’t take much prompting from Maryanne to dig out one of my Continue reading

Family

love, memories, national school picture day, vintage photos
September 13, 2023

Sue’s Big Satchel

At what point does an object become a character, a featured player in a story? I wondered about that the other day when a reader of “Surviving Sue” chuckled about how much she connected with the descriptions of “Sue’s big purse” or “Sue’s behemoth of a satchel” in the book. Yep, my mom’s favorite accessory Continue reading

Surviving Sue

Alzheimers, dementia, elder care, Family, humor, lifestyle, love, story telling, writer
September 11, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Lit Fest

Hey, friends – I felt like many of you were with me in spirit on Saturday at the Printers Row Lit Fest. What a great event! I had the best helpers EVER – husband Paul and our daughter, Delaney. We enjoyed every bit of the adventure – gorgeous Chicago on a sunny day with temps Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, Chicago Writers Association, marketing, new book, Printers Row Lit Fest, promotion, publishing, writer
September 10, 2023

“Tree” Ring Circus

I enjoyed catching up with a friend this week and we shared some giggles about a tussle between two of his family members over Labor Day Weekend. I’m not sure if the hilarious story has the makings of a great commercial for hearing aids, a landscaping business or a jewelry store. Here’s what happened. Continue reading

Family

birthday party, curiosity, Family, humor, laughter, learning, lifestyle
September 8, 2023

Peanut Butter Cup Confessional

Happy Friday, Friends! This morning’s post is nearly writing itself. I woke up giggling about yet another moment of self-imposed silliness and figured I should just share, confessional-style. Especially in a week where I wrote about jeans that were too tight. 😉 Oh my. Maybe it’s a theme and I’m working it out by sharing? Last Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, humor, lifestyle, love, treats
September 6, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Honoring a Veteran

Writing about my mom’s life required some tender diligence and editing as I introduced her siblings. My aunts are still alive, or at least I think so. One of the most painful by-products of my mom’s death was the detachment that occurred as my aunts distanced themselves from me and from my sweet sister Lisa. Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book, gratitude, grief, honor, memories, service, Veterans, Vietnam
September 4, 2023

When You Crack Yourself Up: New Levi’s

Last week, the hubs and I headed out to run the usual errands – plus a couple of extras – as we did all the ceremonial gathering of stuff for our Labor Day barbeques. Nothing special about THAT except for the extra number of stops on our itinerary and the dubious choice I made about Continue reading

Wellness

body image, fashion, humor, lifestyle, love, relationships, self acceptance, silly, Wellness
September 3, 2023

Super Lisa!

When my sister Lisa was born, we didn’t know the extent of her vision issues. Over time we learned and thanks to many doctors along the way, Lisa’s vision was corrected as much as possible, but she’s still legally blind in one eye. As a tot, Lisa loved looking at picture books but had little Continue reading

Family

curiosity, differences, disabilities, diversity, learning, lifestyle, love, sisters
September 1, 2023

Promo Fun…Printer’s Row LitFest

In my years in higher ed, I loved doing ‘table work’ – staffing events and supporting students, faculty and staff to promote services or provide quick meditation or deep breathing lessons for stress relief – on the spot. Doing programs for parents was a highlight, too. So much so that the textbook I wrote with Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book promotion, gratitude, new book, Printer’s Row LitFest, writer

“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.

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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

Victoria Ponders

September 2023

Breathe the Air

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Hide & Seek

You’re No Keanu!

A Loss of Two-Thirds

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Six-Word Style

But Does it Make Coffee?

Little Me

Sue’s Big Satchel

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Lit Fest

“Tree” Ring Circus

Peanut Butter Cup Confessional

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Honoring a Veteran

When You Crack Yourself Up: New Levi’s

Super Lisa!

Promo Fun…Printer’s Row LitFest

Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“

Podcasts

Workshops

About Me

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